Metals shipments continue to slow

Oct. 17, 2012
U.S. steel and aluminum shipments see double-digit declines, with similar results in Canada

The slowdown in the metals market that began in August continued into September, according to data released today by the Metals Service Center Institute, which represents metals service centers in the United States and Canada.

The group reported a 10% decline in steel shipments in September following a 1% decline reported in August; aluminum shipments fell 11% during the month. In Canada, steel shipments fell 16% in September compared to the same period in 2011 while aluminum shipments fell year-over-year for the first time in two years, declining 7% in September.

Year-to-date levels were up in the United States, with more than 32 million tons of steel shipped through September, a 3% increase over 2011. U.S. aluminum shipments grew nearly 2% year-to-date through September.

Year-to-date results were mixed in Canada, with steel shipments falling 1% through September and aluminum shipments rising 9%.

About the Author

Victoria Fraza Kickham | Distribution Editor

Victoria Kickham is the distribution editor for Electronic Design magazine, SourceESB and GlobalPurchasing.com, where she covers issues related to the electronics supply chain. Victoria started out as a general assignment reporter for several Boston-area newspapers before joining Industrial Distribution magazine, where she spent 14 years covering industrial markets. She served as ID’s managing editor from 2000 to 2010. Victoria has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s degree in English from Northeastern University.

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