Steel imports in the United States stood at 1.6 million tons in October, up from 1.2 million tons in September, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Thursday.
Imports of alloy, carbon and stainless steel products were down 48 percent in October compared to the same month in 2008.
The year-to-date level of imports is 13.4 million tons, down 51 percent from 2008. Imports were valued at $14.4 billion.
Imports of blooms, billets and slabs -- the most popular products -- stood near 379,986 tons in October, up from 184,370 tons a month earlier. About 184,022 tons of hot rolled sheet was imported into the United States in October, up 12 percent from September. Tin plate and tin free steel imports were up 19 percent and 38 percent respectively in October compared to September.
About 43 percent of U.S. steel imports came from Canada and Mexico in October. Chinese imports stood at 55,838 tons in October, up from 41,907 tons in September.
