“The large decline in steel exports in November was primarily due to the sharp drop in exports to our NAFTA partners. The U.S. steel market in November also registered a large drop in domestic shipments, according to trade reports  — down 8% compared to October. The data for November reflect market conditions during that period prior to improvements in pricing late in the year,” said Richard Chriss, AIIS executive director.
 
For the year-to-date period in 2013, exports declined 7.5% compared to 2012. “The NAFTA and offshore markets remain softer in 2013 than in 2012. While the NAFTA market’s decline represents the bulk of the decline, we also have to be concerned about the 26.5% reduction in shipments to the other Western Hemisphere markets, which are our second largest export destination, with the most potential for American-made steel,” concluded Chriss.
 
Total steel exports in November 2013 were 939.185 thousand tons compared to 1.133 million tons in October 2013, a 17.1% decrease, and a 5.9% decrease compared to November 2012. According to year-to-date figures, exports decreased 7.5% compared to 2012, or from 12.775 million tons in 2012 to 11.811 million tons in 2013.
 

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The American Institute for International Steel is the only steel-related association that supports free trade. The Institute accomplishes its mission through advocacy, networking, communications, and education.