'For the first three months of 2011 compared to 2010, exports continue to run at a 5 percent rate higher than in 2010, an indication that the recovery in the steel market continues in many of our customers' markets, to the benefit of our domestic industry suppliers, trading companies and port and logistics members,' concluded Phelps.
Total Steel exports in March 2011 were 1.132 million tons compared to 951 thousand tons in February 2011, a 19% increase, and a 1.7% decrease compared to March 2010. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased 5% compared to 2010 or from 2.99 million tons in 2010 to 3.14'million tons in 2011.