MARKETPLACE

March Imports Up 1.2% Vs. February
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the U.S. imported a total of 2,513,000 net tons (NT) of steel in March 2008, including 2,064,000 NT of finished steel (up 1 and 7 percent, respectively, vs. February final data). While total and finished steel imports through the first quarter of 2008 are both down 12 percent vs. the same period in 2007, total and finished steel imports are up 8 and 13 percent, respectively, compared to the previous quarter (Oct ’07-Dec ‘07). Total and finished steel imports on an annualized basis are down 8 and 7 percent, respectively, vs. 2007. On an annualized basis, total imports of steel in 2008 would be 30.7 million NT.

Key products with large increases in March compared to the month before include: plates cut lengths (up 81%), standard pipe (up 69%), oil country goods (up 47%), Galvanized Hot Dipped Sheets & Strip (up 45%), Mechanical Tubing (up 35%), Plates in Coil (up 27%) and Tin Plate (up 24%).

For the first three months of 2008, products showing increases vs. the same period in 2007 were Line Pipe (up 43%), Oil Country Goods (up 14%) and Heavy Structural Shapes (up 9%).

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 31 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 130 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. AISI's member companies represent approximately 75 percent of both U.S. and North American steel capacity. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s Web site at www.steel.org.

Source: American Iron and Steel Institute, April 22, 2008