Steel Products Prices North America

U.S Steel Exports Fall to 752K Tons in December

Written by Brett Linton

February 22, 2018

U.S. steel exports in December totaled 751,977 net tons (682,183 metric tons), down 14.8 percent from November, but up 3.5 percent from December 2016. Total exports have averaged around 885,000 tons over the last few months after reaching a 2.5-year high in May (1,006,087 tons). The total December export figure is below the three-month moving average (average of October, November and December 2017), and also below the 12-month moving average (average of January 2017 through December 2017). Total 2017 exports were 10,527,188 tons, up 13.0 percent from 9,313,197 tons in 2016. Here is a breakdown of flat rolled and plate steel exports:

Cut plate exports decreased 5.3 percent from November to 96,115 tons, down 2.8 percent compared to levels one year ago.

Exports of coiled plate were 39,071 tons in December, down 12.0 percent month over month, and down 15.6 percent year over year.

Hot rolled steel exports decreased 11.0 percent month over month to 72,792 tons, but were up 13.0 percent from December 2016 levels.

Exports of cold rolled products were 39,599 tons in December, down 14.7 percent from November, and down 21.2 percent over the same month last year.

Galvanized exports fell 24.6 percent month over month to 89,718 tons. Compared to one year ago, December levels were down 9.0 percent.

Exports of all other metallic coated products came in at 17,790 tons, a 16.8 percent decrease from November, but a 5.9 percent increase compared to one year ago.

To see an interactive graphic of our Steel Exports history (example below), 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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