Steel Products
Steel Exports Continued to Decline in December
Written by John Packard
February 13, 2013
Falls Church, VA, February 12, 2013 – Steel exports continued to fall in December, declining another 2.9 percent compared to November after declining nearly 16 percent in November compared to October, according to government data. “Steel exports softened at the end of 2012 due to economic uncertainty in many international markets, very much mirroring the experience in the US market. The decline in exports in December 2012 compared to December 2011 was 19.3 percent and reflected declines in both our close NAFTA partners’ markets as well as smaller markets for US-made steel. The slow finish to 2012 and slow start of 2013 in the US and international markets has clearly impacted international demand even in faster-growing developing countries,” said David Phelps, president AIIS.
For the full year of 2012 compared to 2011, exports reached 13.7 million tons, an increase of 2.2 percent. “Steel exports set a new record in 2012, increasing 2.2 percent over the previous record year of 2008. The weaker conditions at the end of 2012 showed up in the year-to-year comparisons 2012 versus 2011, with the growing Mexican market posting the best results, increasing nearly 700,000 tons. While setting a new record for exports of US-made steel is gratifying, the slump at the end of the year is cause for concern at least about early 2013 export business opportunities. The signs that some pundits see for improved conditions later in 2013 first quarter give some reason for (very) cautious optimism at this point however,” concluded Phelps.
Total Steel exports in December 2012 were 968.990 thousand tons compared to 998.022 thousand tons in November 2012, a 2.9 percent decrease, and a 19.3 percent decrease compared to December 2011. For the year-to-date period, total exports increased from 13.454 million tons in 2011 to 13.745 million tons in 2012 period, a 2.2 percent increase. (Source: AIIS Press Release – Including Tables Below)
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/john-packard.png)
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/CMC-New-Logo.png)
CMC to open rebar fabrication facility in Ohio
Longs producer and metal recycler CMC plans to open a new rebar fabrication plant in Akron, Ohio.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/steel_trade.png)
US and Mexico take action to curb ‘unfair’ trade
The US and Mexico announced measures on Wednesday to prevent tariff evasion and protect North America’s steel and aluminum industries.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/gears.png)
Final thoughts
First off, we hope everyone had a safe and happy July 4th holiday, with fireworks seen and BBQs attended. Many parts of the country are quite toasty at the moment, signaling that, yes, summer has indeed arrived. And looking at our most recent survey results, the summer doldrums have arrived as well.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Rig_count_pic_3-scaled.jpg)
Active rig counts recover in US, slip in Canada
US drill rig activity moved back up last week after drifting lower for four straight weeks. Meanwhile, Canadian counts slipped for the first time after a seven-week rally, according to the latest data from Baker Hughes.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI: US steel shipments up in May from April, off from 2023
Domestic steel shipments increased in May month over month but have fallen on-year.