Washington, D.C. – Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported Feb. 24 that the U.S. imported a total of 2,343,000 net tons (NT) of steel in January 2009, including 2,134,000 NT of finished steel (up 13% and 15%, respectively, vs. December final data). Total and finished steel imports on an annualized basis are down 12 and 1%, respectively, vs. 2008. Annualized total imports of steel in 2009 would be 28.1 million MT. The 15% increase in imports occurred while U.S. domestic facilities operated at a 44% utilization rate in January. Finished steel import market share surged to an estimated 36%t in January, after averaging 32% average in the 4th quarter of 2008.

Key products with increases in January 2009 compared to December include Reinforcing Bar (up 295%), Heavy Structural Shapes (up 136%), Sheets and Strip All Other Metallic Coated (up 112%), Cold Rolled Sheets (up 52%) and Cut Length Plates (up 43%) and Line Pipe (up 25%).

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 25 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 138 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, February 24, 2009