U.S. steel exports up 11.2% in January

   Steel exports in January increased by 11.2 percent, compared to December 2012, according to U.S. government data analyzed by the American Institute for International Steel (AIIS).
   “Exports increased… on the strength of exports to our NAFTA partners in January while exports to all other regions declined on a month-to-month basis as international demand and prices softened in many international markets,” said David Phelps, AIIS president, in a statement.
   Exports in January, compared to January 2012, declined by 14.6 percent. “Steel exports declined to all regions in the year-to-year comparison as international economic conditions and steel-related demand sagged. We are concerned about the direction of the international marketplace at this point,” Phelps said.
   Total Steel exports in January were 1.077 million tons compared to 1.262 million tons in January 2012, a 14.6 percent decrease, and an 11.2 percent increase compared to December 2012.