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Metalformers Experiencing Late, Cancelled Shipments"
WASHINGTON -- Last month's drop in steel imports is continuing to hurt metalforming companies, William E. Gaskin, president of the Precision Metalforming Association, said today. Department of Commerce figures show October imports at 2.9 million metric tons, down 12% from September.Year-to-date steel imports for 2004 are up compared to 2003 levels but are still down 4% compared to the pre-tariff levels in 2000, Gaskin noted. Imports of hot- and cold-rolled sheets, the products most used by PMA members, are 25% lower year-to-date than they were in 2000."Metalforming companies continue to experience difficulty obtaining the steel they need and the drop in steel imports only aggravates these troubles," Gaskin reported, citing the association's October Steel Report, which found that 32% of members experienced cancelled orders for steel they expected to receive, 70% received partial shipments and 82% experienced late shipments.Limited steel availability remains a major concern across the industry, Gaskin emphasized, pointing to Nissan's five-day manufacturing freeze at three car factories in Japan due to a shortage of steel as a possible ominous trend in the United States. "Nissan's production halt is worrisome for the entire American metalforming industry," Gaskin said. "Shutting down production because of a lack of steel raises big red flags that a similar situation could happen in the United States if enough steel is not available. We hope import numbers going into 2005 improve so this does not happen here."Visit the Precision Metalforming Association: www.metalformingadvocate.org"