Stainless tube imports from Asia continue massive surge

Imports of seamless stainless steel tube from China and Japan continue to surge into the U.S. market at a rapid pace, according to the Stainless Steel Tube Trade Advancement Committee (SSTTAC).

"Imports from China and Japan in 2014 increased by nearly 1,800 tons, accounting for all of the growth in imports last year, based on official U.S. government trade data," said David A. Hartquist, counsel to the SSTTAC and a partner in the law firm Kelley Drye & Warren, Washington, D.C. "Data through February 2015 is also startling. Exports from the two countries into the U.S. increased by 67 percent over February 2014. The two countries' share of total imports increased from 50 percent in February 2014 to 58 percent in February 2015.

“The Asian producers are edging out imports from other foreign producers and are entering the U.S. at prices well below those of U.S. producers. In the meantime, the European Union has an antidumping order in place against China, with duties up to 72 percent. This causes Chinese producers to favor exporting to the U.S.”

The SSTTAC comprises U.S. producers of seamless stainless steel pipe and tube. Member companies produce tubing to industry and consumer specifications in accordance with guidelines and requirements of accreditation societies.