Data Reflect Increases in Imports and Import Penetration - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Automotive Finishing, Winter, 2000

Imports of specialty steel for January through June 2000 increased 28% compared to the same 1999 period, according to data released by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, Washington, DC.

Total specialty steel imports reached 502,856 tons per month in the first six months of the year, with average monthly imports during the second quarter even exceeding the first quarter rate of 82,000 tons. Imports for all of 1999 totaled 834,412 tons, a monthly average of 69,500 tons. There was a 34% increase in imports of stainless steel, the industry's largest product line, for YTD June 2000 compared to the same 1999 period. Likewise, individual stainless steel subproduct lines saw major increases in imports for YTD June 2000 vs. last year's first six-month total.

Data for the first six months of 2000 compared to January-June 1999 reflect that specialty steel imports overall and by product line continue to capture an increasing share of the U.S. market. Total stainless steel import penetration increased three percentage points to 28% for YTD June 2000. Stainless steel rod imports captured almost three-quarters of the U.S. market, up ten percentage points from interim 1999; while bar imports, up 11 percentage points, captured almost half of the market. Stainless steel wire import penetration was up nine percentage points, plate was up five percentage points and sheet/strip rose to one percentage point.