Imports of seamless stainless tube into the European Union in the period January-November 2006 increased by 31 percent 31,994 tonnes compared with 24,430 tonnes in the corresponding period of 2005, according to figures released by the Iron & Steel Statistics Bureau (ISSB).
Ukrainian exports rose by 62 percent to 6,508 tonnes compared with 4,017 tonnes in the same period in 2005, making it the single-largest shipper to the EU.
China followed closely with 4,911 tonnes to November 2006 up from 3,009 tonnes in the corresponding period of 2005, an increase of 63.2 percent.
The increasing EU imports from the Ukraine and China are raising eyebrows at The European Steel Tube Assn (Esta) which has said is currently monitoring the situation.
Italy imported a total of 5,655 tonnes between January and November 2006 up from 3,299 tonnes in the same period in 2005 a total increase of 71.4 percent.
Most of its imports came from Ukraine —2,910 tonnes in the period January-November 2006 up from 1,914 tonnes in the same period 2005.
Imports from China to Italy reached 1,801 tonnes in 2006 up from 804 tonnes in 2005.
Germany imported a total of 3,138 tonnes in the same period in 2006 compared with 1,824 tonnes in 2005 — a total increase of 72 percent. German imports predominantly came from Ukraine with 1,572 tonnes arriving from the CIS country to the end of November.
EU Imports of Stainless Steel Tubes Grew 31%
Re: EU Imports of Stainless Steel Tubes Grew 31%
