EU customs data for steel imports into the EU28 show a rather erratic monthly pattern so far in 2014 with high imports of semis and finished product levels in January (rising 41% respectively 10% YoY) and somewhat lower tonnages of finished steel imports in February (falling 11% YoY).
First indications for March signal that imports probably remained at an overall high level. It is estimated that total imports in Q1 2014 were very close to those registered in the same quarter of last year.
The breakdown of the available customs data on steel trade into the specific view by product signals that imports of flat finished products fell almost 10% YoY over the first two months of 2014, whereas long products imports rose by more than 40% YoY.
Within the flat product segment, imports of most products were on a downward trend, the main exception being quarto plate which saw third country import supply rising 29% YoY. Meanwhile, all long products registered a marked increase in imports over the January-February period, but particularly so imports of reinforcing bars which rose 70% YoY.
With regards to the main countries of origin, Ukraine and the Russian Federation continue to dominate semis’ imports, accounting for more than 90% on total semis imports.
The main exporters of finished products to the EU are Russia, China Ukraine, India and Turkey; particularly Indian exports rose significantly in the first two months of this year (+83% YoY). While flat product exports from China have fallen, there was a massive rise in long products (+345% YoY, mainly in rebars and merchant bars). Total imports in 2014 are forecast to increase, attracted by the rise in demand and the strong Euro.
Source:- steelguru.com
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