Steel Import Permit Applications Creep up Again in October
11/13/2007 - Steel import permit applications totaled 2,616,000 net tons for October, an 8% increase compared to the 2,433,000 permit tons recorded in September 2007.
Steel import permit applications totaled 2,616,000 net tons for the month of October 2007, according to the latest report from the American Iron and Steel Institute.
The report, which is based on the Commerce Department’s most recent Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) data, shows that the October total reflects:
- An 8% increase compared to the 2,433,000 permit tons recorded in September 2007
- A 19% increase from the September preliminary imports total of 2,196,000 net tons
- A 2% decrease compared to the 2005* monthly average.
Import permit tonnage for finished steel in October 2007 was 1,844,000 net tons, 2% below the preliminary imports of 1,876,000 net tons in September. For the year-to-date in 2007 (10-month total, including October SIMA data), finished steel imports remain 8% higher than the same period in 2005.
For October 2007, the largest volumes of steel import permit applications for countries outside of North America were Brazil (308,000 net tons), China (304,000 net tons), and Korea (146,000 net tons). Finished steel import permit applications for Chinese steel (304,000 net tons) were down 16% in October compared to the preliminary imports total for September.
Although it is still below the monthly totals in mid-2007 and the 2006 record amounts that occurred in the second half of last year, this month’s tonnage for China was 58% higher than the 2005 monthly average of 192,000 net tons for China.
“High levels of tubular imports and significant import tonnages in other long and flat rolled categories are a reminder that dumped and subsidized imports and import injury can occur in specific product categories,” said AISI President and CEO Andrew G. Sharkey III, regarding the SIMA data. “Therefore, domestic steel producers will continue to stay remain vigilant in closely monitoring import levels.”
*2006 data are not used for comparison, because it was an all-time record year for imports.
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 31 member companies and 130 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.
