The slowdown in the metals market that began in August continued into September, according to data released today by the Metals Service Center Institute, which represents metals service centers in the United States and Canada.
The group reported a 10% decline in steel shipments in September following a 1% decline reported in August; aluminum shipments fell 11% during the month. In Canada, steel shipments fell 16% in September compared to the same period in 2011 while aluminum shipments fell year-over-year for the first time in two years, declining 7% in September.
Year-to-date levels were up in the United States, with more than 32 million tons of steel shipped through September, a 3% increase over 2011. U.S. aluminum shipments grew nearly 2% year-to-date through September.
Year-to-date results were mixed in Canada, with steel shipments falling 1% through September and aluminum shipments rising 9%.
