Based on reported import licenses, US long products imports rose 6% from 146,000 short tons in September to 155,000 tons in October. October long products imports in 2010 were 179,000 tons, in 2009 210,000 tons, in 2008 211,000 tons and in 2007 238,000 tons.
An 8,000-ton rise in wire rod imports drove the overall increase, mainly due to higher volumes from Brazil, Mexico and Korea. November import licenses reported November 15th were 56,000 tons which is likely to mean that full-month November imports will be significantly lower than October’s.