Steel Exports Fall 5 Percent in November

Exports of U.S. steel fell off nearly 5 percent to 935,335 tons from October to November, according to the American Institute for International Steel. Comparing November 2009 to November 2008, however, total exports of this typically breakbulk cargo were up 1.5 percent.

Exports to Canada, the largest trading partner of the United States, were off 11 percent from October to November, to 479,182 tons, while exports to Mexico were off 8.5 percent, to 188,479 tons.

The overall decline reflects continuing weakness in NAFTA markets, said AIIS President David Phelps. Year to date, total exports were off 34.5 percent through November, declining from 12.8 million tons to 8.4 million tons.

Contact Janet Nodar at jcnodar@bellsouth.net.