Steel Products Prices North America

April Steel Exports Flat over March

Written by Brett Linton

June 7, 2018

U.S. steel exports in April 2018 totaled 861,004 net tons (781,091 metric tons), down 0.9 percent from the month before, but up 0.4 percent from April 2017. Total exports have averaged around 835,000 tons over the last few months. The total April export figure is above the three-month moving average (average of February 2018, March 2018 and April 2018), but below the 12-month moving average (average of May 2017 through April 2018). Here is a breakdown of flat rolled and plate steel exports:

Cut plate exports decreased 2.4 percent from March to 86,414 tons, up 6.8 percent compared to levels one year ago.

Exports of coiled plate were 32,668 tons in April, down 17.6 percent month over month, and down 36.4 percent year over year. October 2016 was the last time coiled plate exports were this low, when they were 29,767 tons.

Hot rolled steel exports decreased 2.5 percent month over month to 57,738 tons, and were down 28.9 percent from April 2017 levels. This is the lowest level of hot rolled exports since July 2016 (55,714 tons).

Exports of cold rolled products were 50,404 tons in April, up 0.4 percent from March, but down 10.8 percent over the same month last year.

Galvanized exports rose 10.8 percent month over month to 131,352 tons. Compared to one year ago, April levels were down 2.8 percent. This is the higest level seen since May 2017 when 163,477 tons of galvanized steel were exported.

Exports of all other metallic coated products came in at 25,021 tons, an 18.0 percent increase from March, and a 27.1 percent increase compared to one year ago.

To see an interactive graphic of our steel imports history through final April data (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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