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Steel Imports up in March

May 4, 2004 — Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that the United States imported a total of 2,399,000 net tons of steel in March, a 22.4% increase since February. Steel imports include 1,915,000 net tons of finished steel, a 24.0% over the previous month. For the first quarter of 2004 compared to Q1 last year, total and finished steel imports are up 4.2 and 1.0%, respectively.

Steel products registering large increases compared to February 2004 included

• Bars — light shapes, up 78%.
• Hot-dip galvanized sheet and strip, up 73%.
• Wire rods, up 73%.
• Hot rolled bar, up 40%
• Hot rolled sheets, up 36%.
• Oil country tubular goods, up 34%.

“We do not understand what is causing the delay in the implementation of plans to expand and make permanent the existing U.S. steel import monitoring and licensing system. The March data remind us again of the urgent need for the Administration to follow through on this vital commitment,” stated David S. Sutherland, President and CEO of Ipsco and Chairman of AISI.

“Facing a very volatile world steel market that continues to be plagued by major structural imbalances, all parties would benefit from the United States having the most detailed and timely steel import data possible,” Sutherland said.

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