ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., June 17, 2014 

May Increases in the United States, Decreases in Canada 

Shipment growth for steel and aluminum in the United States continued in May but at roughly half the rate of growth displayed in April. Shipments of both metals declined in Canada for the second month but at slower rates than in April. Inventory levels generally declined from April levels. 

U.S. Service Center Activity 

U.S. service center steel shipments in May 2014 increased by 2.6% from May 2013. Steel product inventories increased 4.9% from May a year ago. At the current shipping rate, this represents 2.2 months of supply in inventory. 

U.S. service center shipments of aluminum products in May increased by 3.0% from the same month in 2013. Inventories of aluminum products increased 5.3% from May a year ago. At the current shipping rate, this represents 2.8 months of supply in inventory. 

Canadian Service Center Activity 

Canadian service center shipments of steel products in May 2014 decreased by 1.0% from May 2013. Steel product inventories decreased 9.0% from May a year ago. At the current shipping rate, this represents 2.7 months of supply in inventory. 

Canadian service center aluminum shipments in May decreased 2.6% from the same month in 2013. Inventories of aluminum products increased 4.0% from May a year ago. At the current shipping rate, this represents 2.7 months of supply in inventory. 

Contact:

Chris Marti, vice president, research (847) 485-3009 cmarti@msci.org