Brazil saw increases in crude steel production and steel export levels in January

Monday, 21 February 2011

According to a Friday statement from the Brazilian Steel Institute (IABr), Brazilian steelmakers produced 2.8 million metric tons of crude steel in January, an increase of 3.8 percent year-on-year, and 16.2 percent month-on-month.

Product-specific results showed that flat rolled steel output totaled 2.1 million tons, reflecting an increase of 0.4 percent from January 2010, and a 15.4 percent increase from December 2010, when many Brazilian mills reduced output in response to a rise in steel import levels and difficulty securing coal supplies.

In fact, January steel imports were 10.6 percent lower year-on-year, at 343,600 tons, due to rising international steel prices. However, export levels increased to 1.1 million tons, a 60 percent increase from January 2010. As for sales, domestic steel products sales increased 4.5 percent year-on-year in January, to 1.7 million tons, which also reflected an 11.4 percent increase from the prior month.

(sourced:steelorbis)
Tags: hrc , crude steel , crc , raw mat , flats , Brazil , South America , steelmaking , production , imp/exp statistics , Hot Rolled Coil , Cold Rolled Coil

Russia imposes safeguard duty on imports of steel fasteners

Saturday, 19 Feb 2011

It is reported that Russia has imposed a USD 282.4 per tonne safeguard duty on imports of carbon steel fasteners for a period of three years.

The decision No 68 dated February 12 2011 becomes effective one month after its official publication.

The USD 282.4 per tonne duty will impact steel fasteners under the following HS Codes: 7318 15 810 0, 7318 15 890 0, 7318 15 900 9, 7318 16 910 9, 7318 16 990 0 and 7318 21 000 9.

(Sourced:SteelOrbis)

US steel imports in 2010 surge by 47pct YoY

Tuesday, 01 Feb 2011
The Journal of Commerce reported that US steel imports in 2010 rose by 47.2% YoY.
For the year, steel imports totaled 23.9 million tons, compared with 16.2 million in 2009. Steel imports in December totaled 1.811 million tons. That was up 1.4% from November and a 28.4% increase from December 2009.

Mr David Phelps president of the American Institute for International Steel said “Current market conditions appear to increase the reasons for optimism for early 2011 for imports, domestic shipments and based on reports associated with international conditions, for exports.”
He added “Stronger market conditions at the end of the year in the US are reflected in the increase in December of arrivals of semi finished steel products for conversion by domestic mills. This optimistic development also coincides with improved pricing and lengthening lead times for the domestic industry at the end of 2010.” (sourced:joc.com)