Brass deficit exploded last year

By Staff -- Purchasing, 2/8/2001

U.S. imports of brass mill products in October totaled 73.58 million lb while brass exports were 30.31 million lb, creating a monthly deficit of 43.27 million lb, says Commerce data.

A review of the statistics by the Copper & Brass Fabricators Council in Washington shows that the 10-month deficit of 384.58 million lb is 36.6% higher than the full-year 1999 deficit of 281.51 million lb. October imports of sheet, strip, foil and plate were 32.09 million lb; pipe and tube totaled 19.83 million lb.; profiles, rods and bars were 4.16 million lb, and wire totaled 4.16 million lb.

Last year's data shows Germany to be the leading source of imports, followed by Canada and Mexico. Canada is the leading destination for U.S. exports of brass mill products, followed by Mexico and Japan.