Steel Products Prices North America

Preliminary June Imports Just Under 3 Million Tons

Written by Brett Linton

August 30, 2018

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Commerce released preliminary license data for July foreign steel data and license data for August. The latest data suggests July imports will rebound from June’s dip to almost reach 3.0 million net tons, and August levels will be in the 2.85 million ton ballpark.

Semi-finished imports (slabs/billets) continue to run on the high side for July and August. The August trend is for semi’s to reach 850,000 net tons, slightly down from last week’s report.

After taking the semi’s out of the equation, July finished steel imports are just under 2.2 million tons and August data is trending right at a 2 million net ton month. Both lower than the 12-month and 3-month moving averages (through final June data only).

What is most important from SMU’s point of view is to review the specific flat rolled and plate items (see table below). As was the case last week when looking at August trend data, hot rolled imports are trending lower than July and close to June levels. Cold rolled is trending lower than both June and July. Galvanized and Galvalume are also trending below June and July levels.

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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