Steel exports drop in October

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Steel exports dropped in October compared with a year ago, while exports this year through October remained below 2012 totals, according to the American Institute for International Steel Inc.

The Washington, D.C.-based AIIS reported October steel exports dropped by 4.4 percent compared with the same time in 2012, and the year-to-date figures were 7.7 percent lower than last year.

Richard Chriss, executive director of AIIS, said the decrease in exports represents a declining demand for American steel.

“Steel exports in 2013 remain below 2012, as world demand for American-made steel has declined in all major international steel markets, especially the NAFTA market, which makes up the bulk of our steel exports,” Chriss said in a statement.

October steel exports were up 10.9 percent from September, and the AIIS said tonnages returned to more- normal 2013 levels.

“The month-to-month comparisons showed that exports to all regions improved in October compared to September,” said Chriss, though he did acknowledge that the catch-up in processing from the federal government shutdown may have accounted for some of the increase.