Imports of stainless steel sheet/strip in YTD January 2012 were 28,211 tons, a 21.7% decrease compared to YTD January 2011, according to recently released statistical data from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). U.S. consumption was 139,555 tons, a 2.0% increase, and one-month import penetration was 20.2%, a 6.1% decrease from 2011.
Stainless steel plate imports in YTD January 2012 were 22,452 tons, an increase of 56.2% compared to the same period a year ago. U.S. consumption was 42,064 tons, up 32.3%, and one-month import penetration was 53.4%, an 8.2% increase from 2011.
Imports of stainless steel bar in YTD January 2012 totaled 13,486 tons, an increase of 32.4% compared to last year. U.S. consumption was 23,577 tons, a 13.1% increase; one-month import penetration was 57.2%, an increase of 8.3% from 2011.
Stainless steel rod imports were 2,142 tons, a 14.0% decrease compared to YTD January 2011; U.S. consumption was 5,117 tons, down 19.1%. One-month import penetration was 41.9%, a 2.5% increase from 2011.
Stainless steel wire imports in YTD January 2012 totaled 3,816 tons, a 1.4% decrease compared to 2011. U.S. consumption was 5,172 tons, a 0.1% increase, and one-month import penetration was 73.8%, a decrease of 1.1% from 2011.
Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) in YTD January 2012 were 70,107 tons, a 4.7% increase compared to a year ago; U.S. consumption was 215,484 tons, a 7.2% increase. One-month import penetration was 32.5%, a 0.8 percentage point decrease from 2011.
Alloy tool steel imports totaled 13,772 tons in YTD January 2012, up 19.0% compared to 2011; U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.
Imports of electrical steel in YTD January 2012 were 10,429 tons, an 8.4% decrease compared to YTD January 2011. U.S. consumption was 27,962 tons, an increase of 34.6% from last year; one-month import penetration was 37.3%, a 17.5% decrease from 2011.
Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel, and electrical steel) in YTD January 2012 were 94,308 tons, a 4.9% increase compared to YTD January 2011. U.S. consumption was 252,181 tons, a 9.6% increase, and one-month import penetration was 37.4%, a 1.7 percentage point decrease from 2011.
Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers. 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.