Steel exports declined in July from June by 14.4%, while remaining 26.7% higher than July 2009. 'The month on month decline in steel exports reflects the softening marketplace for steel at the beginning of the summer, especially for NAFTA exports, which react to market conditions without a time lag.' NAFTA and non-NAFTA Western Hemisphere exports reflect 84% of the month on month decline,' said David Phelps, president, AIIS.

'While exports were down for the month, they continue to run substantially ahead of 2009 totals as the world market slowly pulls out of the recession,' concluded Phelps.

Total Steel exports in July 2010 were 896.5 thousand tons compared to 1.048 million tons in June 2010, a 14.4% decrease, and a 26.7% increase compared to July 2009. According to year-to-date figures, exports increased'53.3% compared to 2009 or from 4.6 million tons in 2009 to 7.1 million tons in 2010.