U.S. steel exports drop in September

   Total U.S. steel exports in September 2012 were 1.058 million tons compared to 1.172 million tons in August 2012, a 9.7 percent decrease, and a 12.8 percent decrease compared to September 2011, according to the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS).
   “Exports declined to NAFTA, the rest of the Western Hemisphere, Africa and to Asia, while increasing marginally to the EU in September compared to August,” said David Phelps, AIIS president. “The data for September reflect what clearly is increasingly of concern to many economists at this time, slowing economic growth in developing and developed economies.
   “While U.S. market demand remains relatively healthy with the exception of the non-residential construction market, slowing economic growth internationally bodes ill for the both direct steel exports and exports of steel-intensive products as well, should the trend continue,” he added.