Total stainless steel imports climbed to 344,014 tons through the first six months of 2005 — a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2004 — according to the latest data released by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). As imports climbed, U.S. consumption remained steady at 1,168,282 tons, 3% below domestic consumption for the first six months of 2004.

Stainless steel sheet/strip imports were 192,442 tons through June, a 7% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 851,211 tons, a 4% decrease, while import penetration was 23%, a three percentage point increase.

Imports of stainless steel plate totaled 38,507 tons through June, a 1% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 132,309 tons, a 13% decrease compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 29%, a four percentage point increase.

Stainless steel bar imports were 64,709 tons through June, a 71% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 126,183 tons, a 27% increase compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 51%, a 13 percentage point increase.

Imports of stainless steel rod totaled 25,496 tons through June, a 21% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 38,941 tons, a 10% decrease compared to June 2004, while import penetration was 65%, a 16 percentage point increase.

Stainless steel wire imports were 22,861 tons through June, a 13% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption and import penetration not calculable.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the preceding product lines) through June 2005 were 344,014 tons, a 15% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 1,168,282 tons through June, a 3% decrease compared to YTD 2004. Six-month import penetration was 29%, a four percentage point increase.

Alloy tool steel imports were 60,869 tons through June, a 45% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption and import penetration are not calculable.

Electrical steel imports were 47,033 tons through June, a 21% increase compared to YTD 2004. U.S. consumption was 208,185 tons, an 8% increase compared to YTD 2004, while import penetration was 23%, a three percentage point increase.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) YTD through June 2005 were 451,916 tons, a 19% increase. U.S. consumption was flat at 1,427,693 tons, and six-month import penetration was 32%, a five percentage point increase.

SSINA is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers. Member companies include:

• AK Steel Corp., Middletown, Ohio.
• Allegheny Ludlum Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Allvac, Monroe, N.C. (both Allegheny Technologies companies).
• Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, Pa.
• Charter Specialty Steel, Fond du Lac, Wis.
• Crucible Specialty Metals, Syracuse, N.Y.
• Electralloy, Oil City, Pa.
• Haynes International Inc., Kokomo, Ind.
• ThyssenKrupp Mexinox SA de CV, San Luis Potosi, SLP, Mexico
• North American Stainless, Ghent, Ky.
• Outokumpu Stainless, Inc., Schaumburg, Ill.
• Precision Rolled Products, Inc., Florham Park, N.J.
• Special Metals Corp., Huntington, W.Va.
• Techalloy Central Wire Group, Mahwah, N.J.
• Timken Latrobe Steel, Latrobe, Pa.
• Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, Pa.
• Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.

David A. Hartquist, an international trade attorney with the Washington, D.C., law firm Collier Shannon Scott, PLLC, serves as lead counsel to SSINA.