JOC Staff | Oct 25, 2012 2:55PM EDT
U.S. steel imports in September were 2.44 million tons, a decline of 8.8 percent from 2.67 million tons in August, but an increase of 7.8 percent compared with September 2011, according to preliminary government data, the American Institute for International Steel has reported.
Imports in the first nine months of 2012 were 25.52 million tons, rising 16.1 percent year-over-year from 21.99 million tons during the same period in 2011.
Although the steel market has been stronger this year than in 2011, the current softness in demand is a concern, AIIS President David Phelps said.
Canada, the largest steel supplier for the U.S., imported $0.4 million tons in September, a decrease of 5.3 percent compared with August and a drop of 17.3 percent year-over-year.