U.S. stainless mills worry about October import levels
By Staff -- Purchasing, 2/10/2000 2:00:00 AM
Between January and October of 1999, specialty steel imports actually fell 8% to 671,147 from 729,245 tons in 1998. However, the industry is concerned about a specialty steel import surge in October totaling 81,587 tons. That represents a 26% increase over the previous month's total of 64,815 tons. While total stainless steel imports dropped 9% (from 565,736 to 517, 646 tons), import penetration for all specialty steel was 26% for the January-October period of 1999.
"This upward spiral in imports concerns our industry," says H. L. Kephart, CEO of G.O. Carlson and chairman of the Specialty Steel Industry of North America. Kephart worries that countries not cited in earlier trade complaints have begun importing to the U.S. "We are analyzing all the data very carefully to get the complete statistical picture and to ensure that circumvention of trade case orders is not occurring," says Kephart. He says imports of specialty steel products from countries currently not subject to dumping and countervailing duties are being analyzed to determine if future actions should be taken by the industry.
Unfair trade cases decided in 1998 and 1999 have resulted in dumping and countervailing duties ranging up to 60% on stainless steel sheet and strip in coils, 45% on stainless steel plate in coils and 34% on stainless steel rod.
Enter the buyers' market
03/12/2009Mills plan August stainless steel price hike
08/04/2009U.S. stainless use has increased
12/12/2006
Now Playing: 
