Steel Products Prices North America
Early Review of September Steel Import License Data Show No Change in Trend
Written by John Packard
September 10, 2015
The U.S. Department of Commerce (US DOC) released final July Census Data which means they have announced the final steel import numbers for the month. Total steel imports for the month of July 2015 were 3,285,600 net tons (SMU converts the USDOC metric ton data into net tons for our readers).
The July totals were very close to our three month moving average (3MMA) of 3,261,433 net tons and well below the 12 month moving average of 3,698,181 net tons. This shows us that imports are beginning to decline from the highs seen in late 2014 and early 2015.
August license data through Tuesday, September 8th, is indicating that August imports will be down compared to July as well as against the 3MMA and 12MMA. License data has the month trending toward just over 3.0 million tons (3,098,721 net tons).
In the table below we are also providing a very early peak at September license data and how it is trending. I would not put any credibility to the number shown as it is only through the first 8 days of the month. What we are looking for is to see if there is any break in the trend indicating lower volumes of imports for the month of September vs. July/August. We are not seeing any break in the cycle based on the first 8 days and, at this moment it appears September imports will be similar to the prior two months.
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products Prices North America
HRC-galvanized price gap edges higher
The premium galvanized coil carries over hot-rolled coil (HRC) coil has marginally widened in recent months. As of Sept. 16, the spread between these two products reached a three-month high of $175 per short ton (st), though it is still low by historical standards.
SMU Price Ranges: HR slips, hopes for Q4 rebound still standing
SMU’s price ranges were mixed again this week as the market continues to seek a floor amid industry hopes for a Q4 rebound.
Nucor’s hot band list price holds at $875/ton
Nucor held its hot-rolled coil list price flat again this week, according to its Monday, Sept. 15 consumer spot price (CSP) notice.
Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.
SMU Price Ranges: Some predict bottom is near as big discounts dry up
Sheet prices were mixed this week as some mills continued to offer significant discounts to larger buyers while others have shifted toward being more disciplined, market participants said.