December Steel Exports Lowest Since 2002

The total December export figure is below both the three-month moving average (average of October 2018, November 2018 and December 2018) and the 12-month moving average (average of January 2018 through December 2018). Here is a breakdown by product:

Cut plate exports decreased 13.1 percent from November to 67,229 tons, and were down 30.1 percent compared to levels one year ago. This is the lowest level we have seen in our limited history (going back to 2010).

Exports of coiled plate were 24,212 tons in December, down 23.3 percent month over month, and down 38.0 percent year over year.

Hot rolled steel was the only product with an increase in month-over-month exports, rising 19.1 percent over November to 56,567 tons, but down 22.3 percent from December 2017 levels.

Exports of cold rolled products were 45,298 tons in December, down 5.9 percent from November, but up 14.4 percent over the same month last year.

Galvanized exports fell 19.8 percent month over month to 84,916 tons. Compared to one year ago, December levels were down 5.4 percent. The last time galvanized exports were this low was December 2012 at 81,776 tons.

Exports of all other metallic coated products came in at 12,317 tons, a 36.6 percent decrease from November, and a 30.8 percent decrease compared to one year ago. This is the lowest level we have seen in our limited history.

To see an interactive graphic of our steel imports history through final December data (examples shown 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.