U.S. stainless use has increased

By Tom Stundza -- Purchasing, 12/13/2006 11:00:00 AM

Domestic consumption of stainless steel mill products increased 10% in the first seven months of 2006 over 2005 tonnage to 1.49 million tons. Statistical data provided by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America shows that U.S. consumption of stainless sheet and strip of 1.08 million tons is an 11% increase while use of 194,000 tons of plate is a 31% increase and purchases of 49,000 tons of wire is an 8% increase. U.S. consumption of electrical steel was almost 265,000 tons, an 11% increase. However, stainless steel bar consumption of 131,000 tons is an 11% decrease and rod use of almost 39,000 tons is an 11% drop.

Meanwhile, imports of almost 460,000 tons show a 14% increase above the year-ago period, creating 2006 import penetration of 31%. Imports of total specialty steel—stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel—in the first seven months of 2006 were 566,000 tons, an 8% increase above 2005.