According to data of the Specialty Steel Industry of North America, the US consumption of thin gauge stainless steel flat products was weak in March even though the consumption of thicker gauge products increased obviously.

The data showed that the country's consumption of stainless steel sheets and strips totaled 410,414 short tons in March 2012, falling by 8.9% YoY. The import volumes decreased by 16.4% YoY to 84,919 short tons, reflecting an increase of 1.9 percentage points in import penetration to 20.7%.

However, the country's consumption of stainless steel plates enjoyed a rise of 24.4% YoY to 116,491 short tons in March 2012. The import volumes surged by 34% YoY to 58,038 short tons, showing a rise of 3.6 percentage points in import penetration to 49.8%.

Source - www.yieh.com)

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