Data released by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) show that stainless steel imports have increased to 677,173 tons in 2004. The 37% increase in stainless imports compared to 2003 overshadows the 13% growth in domestic stainless steel consumption over the same period. Total specialty steel imports (including stainless, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) increased by 29% over the same period, more than double the 11% growth in specialty steel consumption.

A total of 435,775 tons of stainless steel sheet/strip were imported in 2004, a 42% increase compared to the previous year. Consumption was 1,811,334 tons, a 14% increase, and import penetration grew to 24%, a five percentage point increase compared to 2003.

Stainless steel plate imports increased 32% over the year, totaling 68,433 tons in 2004. Consumption was 288,035 tons, a mere 2% increase, and import penetration grew to 24%, a six percentage point increase.

83,533 tons of stainless steel bar were imported in 2004, a 23% increase over the previous year. Consumption grew 11% over the same period, to 204,638 tons, as import penetration grew to 41%, a four percentage point increase.

Stainless steel rod imports totaled 47,616 tons in 2004, a 35% increase over the previous year. U.S. consumption was 73,641 tons, a 16% increase, and import penetration was 65%, a nine percentage point increase.

Stainless steel wire imports increased 22% in 2004 to 41,816 tons. U.S. consumption of stainless steel wire was 81,707 tons, a 13% increase over the previous year, will import penetration passed 51%, a four percentage point increase.

Imports of total stainless steel — sheet/strip, plate, bar, rod and wire — totaled 677,173 tons in 2004, a 37% increase over the previous year. Consumption of these products totaled 2,459,356 tons in 2004, a 13% increase over 2003, while import penetration reached 28%, a five percentage point increase.

Alloy tool steel imports totaled 94,641 tons in 2004, an 8% increase over the previous year. U.S. consumption and import penetration are not calculable.

Electrical steel imports were 86,702 tons, an 8% increase over the previous year. U.S. consumption reached 396,924 tons, a 2% increase; import penetration was 22%, a one percentage point increase.

Imports of total specialty steel — including stainless steel, alloy tool steel, and electrical steel — totaled 858,516 tons in 2004, a 29% increase over the previous year. U.S. consumption reached 2,929,633 tons, an 11% increase, and import penetration was 29%, a four percentage point increase.

SSINA is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers. David A. Hartquist, an international trade attorney with the Washington, DC law firm Collier Shannon Scott, PLLC, serves as lead counsel to SSINA.