Imports of stainless steel sheet/strip in YTD February 2012 were 53,323 tons, a 21.4% decrease compared to YTD February 2011, according to recently released statistical data from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). U.S. consumption was 273,206 tons, a 1.4% increase, and two-month import penetration was 19.5%, a 5.7% decrease from 2011.
Stainless steel plate imports in YTD February 2012 were 38,518 tons, a 49.9% increase compared to YTD February 2011. U.S. consumption was 78,196 tons, a 41.0% increase, and two-month import penetration was 49.3%, a 3.0% increase from 2011.
Imports of stainless steel bar were 23,890 tons, a 12.6% increase compared to a year ago, and U.S. consumption was 44,428 tons, a 5.2% increase. Two-month import penetration was 53.8%, up 3.6% from 2011.
Stainless steel rod imports were 4,796 tons, an increase of 2.6% compared to YTD February 2011; U.S. consumption was 11,309 tons, an 11.6% decrease, and two-month import penetration was 42.4%, an increase of 5.8% from 2011.
Stainless steel wire imports in YTD February 2012 were 7,268 tons, a 3.1% decrease compared to a year ago. U.S. consumption was 10,017 tons, a 1.5% increase, and two-month import penetration was 72.6%, down 3.4% from 2011.
Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) in YTD February 2012 were 127,795 tons, a 0.7% increase compared to YTD February 2011. U.S. consumption was 417,157 tons, a 7.0% increase, while two-month import penetration was 30.6%, a decrease of 2.0% from 2011.
Alloy tool steel imports were 24,199 tons, a 29.1% increase compared to YTD February 2011; U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.
Imports of electrical steel were 19,099 tons, a 7.2% decrease from 2011. U.S. consumption was 46,116 tons, an increase of 39.7% from YTD February 2011, and two-month import penetration was 41.4%, a decrease of 20.9% from 2011.
Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel, and electrical steel) in YTD February 2012 were 171,093 tons, a 2.9% increase compared to YTD February 2011. U.S. consumption was 477,427 tons, a 9.7% increase, while two-month import penetration was 35.8%, a 2.4% 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.