Exports declined by 9.3 percent in April from March, according to government reporting.' 'Softening shipments to the NAFTA region led the decline in April, although there was some good news as non-NAFTA Western Hemisphere shipment rose, mostly due to a jump in semifinished exports to the Dominican Republic over March,' reported David Phelps, president, AIIS.

For the year to date period, exports in 2011 remain slightly above 2010, up 1.2 percent.' 'Exports to the NAFTA region declined in the first four months of 2011 compared to 2010, but that decline was offset by an increase in exports to Asia, including a solid increase in exports to China and Taiwan.' Strong economic growth in Asia is a bright spot for the steel market internationally,' concluded Phelps.

Total Steel exports in April 2011 were 1. 026 million tons compared to 1.132 million tons in March 2011, a 9.3% decrease, and a 8.8% decrease compared to April 2010. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased 1.2% compared to 2010 or from 4.12'million tons in 2010 to 4.17'million tons in 2011.