The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) reported according to government data, steel exports increased in March 2013 over February 2013 by 6.1 percent. "The stronger showing for steel exports in March was due primarily to increased shipments to our NAFTA partners, but notably, exports increased to all other smaller export markets as well, with the exception of the small markets in Africa. While the trend might hold for our NAFTA trading partners going forward, the small increase in exports to the EU is open to question given economic challenges faced there. The increase in non-NAFTA Western Hemisphere exports is encouraging," said David Phelps, president, AIIS.
Total steel exports in March 2013 were 1.1 million tons compared to 1.036 million tons in February 2013, a 6.1 percent increase, and an 8.6 percent decrease compared to March 2012. According to year-to-date figures, exports decreased 12.6 percent compared to 2012 or from 3.677 million tons in 2012 to 3.214 million tons in 2013.
For Q1 2013 compared to Q1 2012, exports declined 12.6 percent. "The first quarter decline reflects the slower start to the year in NAFTA and other international markets. While demand conditions in some critical steel markets remain healthy in the NAFTA region, providing some reason for optimism going forward, it is difficult to predict the direction of other international markets that have become increasingly important export destinations for US-made steel," concluded Phelps.