Imports of total stainless steel in YTD December 2011 were 782,838 tons, an 18.1% increase compared to YTD December 2010, according to data from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America. Imports of total specialty steel—comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel, and electrical steel—increased 19.8% in YTD December 2011, to 1,008,750 tons, compared to the same period a year ago.
Stainless steel sheet/strip imports in YTD December 2011 were 392,351 tons, a 1.2% increase compared to YTD December 2010. U.S. consumption was up 26.1%, to 1,576,266 tons. Twelve-month import penetration was 24.9%, a 6.1% decrease from 2010.
Imports of stainless steel plate totaled 173,800 tons in YTD December 2011, a 78.4% increase compared to YTD December 2010. U.S. consumption was 369,664 tons, up 42.8%, and twelve-month import penetration was 47.0%, a 9.4% increase from 2010.
Stainless steel bar imports in YTD December 2011 totaled 142,629 tons, a 31.3% increase compared to year-ago figures. U.S. consumption was 259,063 tons, an 18.7% increase; twelve-month import penetration was 55.1%, up 5.3% from 2010.
Imports of stainless steel rod were 27,650 tons in YTD December 2011, a 13.8% increase compared to YTD December 2010. U.S. consumption was 72,118 tons, a 10.3% increase. Twelve-month import penetration was 38.3%, a 1.1% increase from 2010.
Stainless steel wire imports in YTD December 2011 totaled 46,409 tons, up 3.6% compared to YTD December 2010. U.S. consumption was 61,146 tons, a 3.5% increase, and twelve-month import penetration was 75.9%, a 0.1% increase from 2010.
Total stainless steel consumption in the U.S. was 2,338,258 tons, a 26.3% increase compared to a year ago; import penetration was 33.5%, a 2.3 percentage point decrease from 2010.
Imports of alloy tool steel totaled 112,209 tons in YTD December 2011, a 31.9% increase compared to a year ago; U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.
Electrical steel imports in YTD December 2011 were 113,702 tons, a 20.6% increase compared to YTD December 2010. U.S. consumption was 233,923 tons, a 19.0% increase from the year before, and import penetration was 48.6%, a 0.6% increase from 2010.
U.S. consumption of total specialty steel was 2,633,684 tons, a 25.3% increase; twelve month import penetration was 38.3%, a 1.8 percentage point decrease from 2010.
Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing specialty metals producers, which include high-technology, high-value stainless and other specialty alloy products.
SSINA member companies include: ATI Allegheny Ludlum, Pittsburgh, Pa., and ATI Allvac, Monroe, N.C. (both Allegheny Technologies companies); Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, Pa.; Crucible Industries, Solvay, N.Y.; Electralloy, Oil City, Pa.; North American Stainless, Ghent, Ky.; Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, Pa.; and Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.