U.S. steel imports up 4.2% in April

   U.S. steel imports increased 4.2 percent in April compared to March, according to preliminary government reporting analyzed by the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS).
   “Imports increased in April primarily due to an increase in arrivals of semi-finished slab imports for further processing by the domestic integrated industry, suggesting a anticipation of improved conditions in the US market going forward. Imports of rebars posted a decline,” said David Phelps, AIIS president, in a statement.
   Imports in the first four months of 2013, compared to 2012, posted a decline of 11.7 percent. “Year-to-date imports remain weak, which reflects the slow start to the year experienced by all suppliers of steel to the U.S. market. With inventory levels currently low and demand in several sectors strong, such as autos and strong consumption in oil and gas related products, there is increasing optimism that the market is on the mend as we move to the mid-point in the second quarter,” Phelps said.
   Total steel imports in April were 2.679 million tons compared to 2.570 million tons in March, 4.2 percent increase, and a 14.8 percent decrease compared to April 2012. For the year-to-date period, imports decreased from 11.748 million tons in the first four months of 2012 to 10.374 million tons in the same 2013 period, an 11.7 percent decrease.
   The data show that imported semi-finished products decreased by 10.3 percent in April 2013 compared to April 2012, from 661,000 tons in 2012 to 593,000 tons in 2013, based on preliminary reporting. For the year-to-date period, imported semi-finished products decreased from 2.759 million tons in the first four months of 2012 to 2.197 million tons in the same 2013 period, a 20.4 percent decrease, AIIS noted.