Steel Products Prices North America

September Apparent Steel Supply: Lowest Level Since February 2013

Written by Brett Linton

November 10, 2015

According to the latest data released from the US Department of Commerce and the American Iron and Steel Institute, apparent steel supply for the month of September 2015 was 8,543,021 net tons. Apparent steel supply is calculated by adding domestic steel shipments and finished US steel imports and subtracting total US steel exports.

September supply represents a 1,762,686 ton or 17.1 percent decrease compared to the same month one year ago when apparent steel supply was 10,305,707 tons. This is attributed to a 1,252,266 ton or 15.0 percent drop in domestic shipments and a decline in finished imports of 732,573 tons or 24.7 percent. A decrease in total exports of 222,153 tons or 21.5 percent negated change. The net trade balance between imports and exports was a surplus of 2,022,657 tons in September 2015, 843,730 tons less than that of September 2014.

When compared to last month when apparent steel supply was at 9,136,737 tons, September supply decreased by 593,716 tons or 6.5 percent. This is attributed to a 349,457 ton or 4.7 percent drop in domestic shipments and a 259,146 ton or 10.4 percent decline in finished imports. A minor decrease in total exports of 14,888 tons or 1.8 percent slightly negated change. The net trade balance between September 2015 imports and exports was 212,253 tons or 9.5 percent lower than the previous month.

The table below has been revised from the one we normally publish per member request; the monthly averages for each year are now calculated on a year to date basis. Each figure below is based off of January through September data for a more consistent comparison between years.

To see an interactive graphic of our Apparent Steel Supply History, visit the Apparent Steel Supply page in the Analysis section of the SMU website. If you need any assistance logging in or navigating the website, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or 800-432-3475.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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