SSINA Reports Continued Surges in Electrical Steel Imports
05/14/2012 - The Specialty Steel Industry of North America is expressing concern about surging imports of grain-oriented electrical steel, which is showing the potential for significant import increases for both value and quantity, based on year-to-date imports through March 2012.
The Specialty Steel Industry of North America has expressed concern about surging imports of grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES).
“Official U.S. government statistics reveal that during the first three months of 2012, imports of grain-oriented electrical steel dramatically surged,” said Counsel David A. Hartquist, international trade lawyer and a partner at Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP. “Annualizing March data for full year 2012 would result in the following: a 38% increase in imports over 2011 by value, and a similar 38% increase over 2011 in quantity.
“If this trend continues through 2012, it would represent a 340% increase in tons over 2009,” added Hartquist. “Imports from Japan, Poland, Korea and the Czech Republic are of particular concern.”
The surge from Japan initially occurred in 2010 then moderated slightly in 2011 before once again increasing in 2012. An analysis in 2011 revealed dumping by Japanese producers.
U.S. producers are now reviewing 2012 data. Surges in grain-oriented electrical steel shipments from Korea, Poland and the Czech Republic have occurred more recently and are under review.
About Specialty Steel Industry of North America
Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers, which include high technology, high value stainless and other specialty alloy products.
SSINA member companies include:
· ATI Allegheny Ludlum, Pittsburgh, Pa., an Allegheny Technologies company
· ATI Allvac, Monroe, N.C., an Allegheny Technologies company
· Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, Pa.
· Crucible Industries, Solvay, N.Y.
· Electralloy, Oil City, Pa.
· North American Stainless, Ghent, K.Y.
· Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, Pa.
· Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.
