SSINA Releases 10-Month Market Data

The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) has released the most recent statistical data on imports, U.S. consumption and import penetration through October 2005.

According to SSINA’s figures, stainless steel sheet/strip imports were 316,465 tons for the 10-month period, reflecting a 7 percent decrease from the same period in 2004. U.S. consumption was 1,366,269 tons during the period, a 9 percent decrease from 2004’s figure for the comparable time frame. Import penetration, however, was unchanged at 23 percent.

Stainless steel plate imports numbered 70,300 tons from January through October of 2005, reflecting a 22 percent increase from the 10-month period in 2004. U.S. consumption was 214,546 tons, an 11 percent decrease from 2004; while import penetration was 33 percent, a nine percentage point increase.

Stainless steel bar imports mports were 105,259 tons, reflecting a 58 percent increase compared to 2004. U.S. consumption was 202,286 tons during the 10-month period, which was a 21% increase from 2004 figures from January through October. Import penetration was 52 percent, a 12 percentage point increase.

Stainless steel rod imports were 36,257 tons, reflecting a 5 percent decrease. U.S. increased 2 percent to 58,257 tons, and import penetration decreased two percentage points to 62 percent.

Stainless steel wire imports numbered 36,866 tons for the 10-month period, reflecting a 7 percent increase from the same period in 2004. U.S. consumption was 64,072 tons, an 8 percent decrease, while import penetration was 58 percent, a nine percentage point increase.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) from January through October 2005 were 565,146 tons, reflecting a 5 percent increase from the same period in 2004. U.S. consumption was 1,905,430 tons, a 7 percent decrease, and 10-month import penetration was 30 percent, a four percentage point increase.

Imports of alloy tool steel numbered 101,607 tons, reflecting a 35 percent increase. According to the SSINA, U.S. consumption and import penetration are not calculable.

Electrical steel imports for the 10 month period were 70,375 tons, reflecting a 1 percent increase from 2004 figures for the period. U.S. consumption was 336,744 tons, a 5 percent increase, and import penetration was 21 percent, a one percentage point decrease.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool

steel and electrical steel) from January through October 2005 were 737,128 tons, reflecting an 8 percent increase. The U.S. consumed 2,326,438 tons during the 10-month period, a 4 percent decrease from the same period in 2004. Ten-month import penetration was 32 percent, a four percentage point increase.

SSINA is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing virtually

all continental specialty metals producers.