ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Aug. 15, 2013

U.S. Shipments Reverse Declines in July

In July, the pattern of consistent monthly decline of U.S. steel and aluminum shipments reversed, with shipments increasing approximately 5% over last year. In Canada, July shipments of both steel and aluminum continued to decline but at rates that were much slower than June. 

U.S. Service Center Activity

U.S. service center steel shipments in July 2013 increased by 5.3% from July 2012. Steel product inventories decreased 1.3% from last month. 

In July, U.S. service center shipments of aluminum products increased 5.7% from the same month in 2012.  Inventories of aluminum products increased 0.1% from last month. 

Canadian Service Center Activity

Canadian service centers shipments of steel products in July 2013 decreased 2.4% from July 2012. Steel product inventories decreased 1.5% from last month. 

Canadian service center aluminum shipments in June decreased 0.3% from the same month in 2012. Inventories of aluminum products increased 0.4% from last month. 

Contact:

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