Steel imports declined again in September by 9.1 percent compared to August, according to preliminary government data. 'Imports continue their downward trend, reflecting weakening market conditions, especially as regards to imports of semifinished products imported by the steel mills for further processing, according to the government report. Declines were noted from Brazil, an important supplier of slabs. These data for September reflect the weakness in the flat rolled market experienced during the summer and the lag in time for order to arrival, ' said David Phelps, president, AIIS. For the year to date period, imports increased by 19.5 percent. 'For 2011, the strongest import category remains semifinished products and the largest increase in tonnage, from Brazil, reflecting the improved market conditions in 2011 compared to 2010 and improved domestic mill conditions in 2011 over 2010. Notwithstanding concerns about the direction of the economy, recent macro economic data related to manufacturing provide some reasons for optimism for the steel market in coming months,' concluded Phelps.

Total Steel imports in September 2011 were 2.237 million tons compared to 2.462 million tons in August 2011, a 9.1 percent decrease, and a 7.8 percent increase compared to September 2010. According to year-to-date figures, imports increased 19.5 percent compared to 2010 or from 18.383 million tons in 2010 to 21.964 million tons in 2011. The data show that imported semifinished products increased by 17.2 percent in September 2011 compared to September 2010. For the year-to-date period, semifinished imports increased from 4.114 million tons in 2010 to 5.282 million tons in 2011, a 28.4% increase based on preliminary reporting.