U.S. steel exports increased in August compared to July by 8.1% according to U.S. government data analyzed by the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS).

"The rise in steel exports in August was primarily due to improved shipments to our NAFTA partners in what appears to have been a response to the short-lived up-tick in the market at the end of the summer. Smaller export markets for US made steel were mixed in August as exports to the EU market declined and exports to Asia improved," said David Phelps, president, AIIS.

Total exports in the year-to-date period 2012 compared to 2011 increased by 10.1%. "Exports remain on track in 2012 to set a new all time record, eclipsing the 2008 total. However, August was the first month this year in which exports in 2012 were lower than in 2011 on a month to month comparison, down by only 1.4%, but suggesting, if it is the beginning of a trend, that the international market overall is cooling," concluded Phelps.

Total steel exports in August 2012 were 1.172 million tons compared to 1.084 million tons in July 2012, a n 8.1% increase, and a 1.4% decrease compared to August 2011. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased 10.1% compared to 2011 or from 8.659 million tons in 2011 to 9.534 million tons in 2012.