U.S. groups polling members on Chinese HSS problems

Steel Business Briefing has reported that two groups that represent different segments of the steel market now are polling their members in an effort to gauge concern and problems that have arisen with allegedly substandard hollow structural sections (HSS) imports from China.

The Tube and Pipe Association, International (TPA), a technology affiliate of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), has decided that a "special alert" to its members is not warranted at this point. However, a TPA spokesperson told SBB that "we will likely include a short article in our upcoming (monthly) member update e-newsletter which goes out on 19 September summarizing the concern that has been expressed by a few members and asking them to fill out a quick mini survey so we can gauge the concern level across a larger group."

According to SBB, the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has announced in a news release that the group is seeking to compile all available test data from its members and others in the steel industry willing to provide their test data. Anyone who has sponsored recent tests on imported or domestic HSS is being asked to contact the AISC.

The AISC said that during the past few months, a number of companies in the U.S. and Canada, including producers of HSS and steel service centers, have sponsored a limited number of tests by independent testing facilities on HSS material imported from China, as well as HSS material produced in North America. As a result of those independent tests, the companies have raised questions to the AISC about the mechanical properties of the imported HSS, as well as the credibility and reliability of the documentation provided when the products entered the U.S. and Canada from some of the newer sources in the market.

"AISC has not been involved in any of this HSS testing nor have we thoroughly reviewed the test data," says Roger Ferch, AISC president. "We believe it is premature to draw any conclusions from any of the tests that have been conducted. It is important to note, however, that from the data we have been provided, AISC has not concluded that there is a building code issue."