Steel Products Prices North America
January Steel Exports Recover from December Low
Written by Brett Linton
April 4, 2019
U.S. steel exports in January totaled 636,566 net tons (577,484 metric tons), up 22.6 percent from December, but down 23.4 percent from levels one year ago. Although up over the previous month, keep in mind that total exports for December 2018 were at a 16+ year low.
The total January export figure is above the three-month moving average (average of November 2018, December 2018, and January 2019) but below the 12-month moving average (average of February 2018 through January 2019). Here is a breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports increased 19.3 percent from December to 80,174 tons, but were down 6.7 percent compared to levels one year ago.
Exports of coiled plate were 29,019 tons in January, up 19.9 percent month over month, but down 18.8 percent year over year.
Hot rolled steel was the only product with a decrease in month-over-month exports, falling 15.0 percent over December to 48,063 tons, and down 28.8 percent from January 2017 levels.
Exports of cold rolled products were 49,419 tons in January, up 9.1 percent from December, and up 2.3 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports rose 49.1 percent month over month to 126,640 tons. Compared to one year ago, January levels were up 8.6 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products came in at 17,981 tons, a 46.0 percent increase from December, but a 24.6 percent decrease compared to one year ago.
Below are two graphs showing the history of U.S. steel exports: in total and by product. To use their interactive features, view the graphs on our website by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
Brett Linton
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