Steel Products Prices North America

US Steel Exports Highest Since November 2014

Written by Brett Linton

May 7, 2017

March 2017 steel exports totaled 948,606 net tons (860,562 metric tons), up 14.6 percent over February and up 22.4 percent from March 2016. This is the highest export level seen since November 2014 when 953,828 tons of steel were exported out of the US. The total March export figure is above the three month moving average (average of January 2017, February 2017, and March 2017) and above the twelve month moving average (average of April 2016 through March 2017). Here is a breakdown flat rolled and plate exports:

Cut plate exports increased 31.6 percent from February to March to 113,750 tons and were up 9.2 percent compared to levels one year ago. This is the highest level cut plate exports have been at since May 2015 when they were 115,288 tons.

Exports of coiled plate were 78,144 tons in March, up 23.1 percent month over month and up 156.3 percent year over year. The last time we saw levels higher than this was in February 2012 when 79,287 tons of coiled plate were exported from the US. See the graph below to see just how much coiled plate exports have increased compared to previous months.

Hot rolled steel exports increased 24.3 percent month over month to 83,981 tons and were up 56.5 percent from March 2016 levels. Prior to March, you have to go back to October 2013 tonnage of 104,234 to have seen levels this high.

Exports of cold rolled products were 52,903 tons in March, down 5.8 percent from February and down 7.6 percent over the same month last year.

Galvanized exports rose 6.0 percent month over month to 125,160 tons. Compared to one year ago, March levels were up 6.5 percent. The last time we saw levels this high was October 2014 when 126,335 tons of galvanized was exported.

Exports of all other metallic coated products came in at 23,488 tons, a 26.9 percent increase from last month and a 8.4 percent increase compared to one year ago. This is the highest level other metallic coated exports have been at since May 2015 when exports were at 23,630 tons.

To see an interactive graphic of our Steel Exports history (which is what the graph above is a screen shot of), visit our website here. If you need any assistance logging in or navigating the site, 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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