US supply crunch looms as China shipments evaporate

摘要

US common alloy imports from China have dried up with shipment records showing acomplete halt to imports since early May for products within the scope of the common alloyinvestigation. One exception to the halt is tread plate, which has continued to be importedfrom China, albeit in rather small quantities, suggesting a difficulty in replacing duty-inflatedtonnes. Though up 23% ytd April, US imports of common alloy sheet are expected to fall offover the balance of the year as Chinese volumes, which account for 42% of the increase,will ultimately evaporate. With limited growth in domestic common alloy sheet outputexpected through the end of the year, the screws are set to further tighten on the US supplychain.