US steel exports declined 10.9 percent in September compared to August, and were down 3.4 percent compared to September 2012, according to a report from the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) based on government reporting.
"All export markets for American-made steel declined in September over August, with the exception of the small Asian market, which posted a small increase for the month. It is hard to know whether the government shutdown affected the September export data compilation process. We will have to wait until the October data are available to determine if this is a one-month anomaly or a weakening trend as we approach the end of the year," said Richard Chriss, executive director, AIIS.
Steel exports for the months of 2013 compared to the same period for 2012 declined 8.1 percent. "Steel exports throughout 2013 for most months have reflected a weaker international market, and so the disappointing results for September might have been a continuation of that trend, or affected to some degree by the government shutdown. International economic conditions indicate that the record year for American exports of steel in 2012 is not likely to be bested in 2013," concluded Chriss.
Total steel exports in September 2013 were 1.022 million tons compared to 1.147 million tons in August 2013, a 10.9 percent decrease, and a 3.4 percent decrease compared to September 2012. According to year-to-date figures, exports decreased 8.1% compared to 2012, or from 10.592 million tons in 2012 to 9.739 million tons in 2013.
