U.S. Steel Imports for October 2003 Decreased 9 Percent from September 2003
The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced that U.S. steel imports during October 2003 decreased by 9 percent from the previous month. The decrease in October's total amount of steel imports was due primarily to a decrease in imports of wire rod; blooms, billets, and slabs; and hot rolled sheets. October 2003 imports of finished steel products decreased 8 percent compared to September 2003, while imports of semi-finished steel decreased 15 percent.
Hot-Rolled: October 2003 imports of hot-rolled steel decreased 24 percent from their September 2003 levels and were down 62 percent compared to October 2002 levels. January to October 2003 imports of hot-rolled steel were down 33 percent compared to the same period in 2002.
Cold-Rolled: October 2003 imports of cold-rolled steel increased 21 percent compared to September 2003 levels and were down 37 percent compared to October 2002 levels. January to October 2003 imports of cold-rolled steel were down 24 percent compared to the same period in 2002.
Standard Pipe: October 2003 imports of standard pipe decreased 14 percent compared to September 2003. October 2003 imports of these products were down 27 percent compared to October 2002. January to October 2003 imports of standard pipe were down 11 percent compared to the same period in 2002.