U.S. March Steel Exports Down 32 Percent

The total March export figure is below the three-month moving average (3MMA, average of January, February and March) and below the 12-month moving average (12MMA, average of April 2018 through March 2019). Here is a breakdown by product:

Cut plate exports fell 13.6 percent from February to 57,213 tons and were down 35.4 percent compared to levels one year ago. This is the lowest export level seen in our limited history, surpassing last month’s record low of 66,231 tons.

Exports of coiled plate were 24,217 tons in March, down 19.6 percent month over month, and down 38.9 percent year over year. This is the third lowest monthly export level seen in our limited history, behind September 2018 at 19,558 tons and December 2018 at 24,212 tons.

Hot rolled steel exports declined 3.5 percent over February to 40,370 tons, and were down 31.8 percent from March 2017 levels. This is the second lowest level seen in our limited history, with the lowest occuring in September 2018 with 35,480 tons iof hot rolled steel exported.

Exports of cold rolled products were 49,959 tons in March, up 0.8 percent from February, but down 0.5 percent over the same month last year. Cold rolled was the only product in our lineup with a month-over-month increase.

Galvanized exports fell 0.2 percent month over month to 112,770 tons. Compared to one year ago, March levels declined 4.8 percent.

Exports of all other metallic coated products were 18,119 tons, down 2.4 percent from February, and a 14.6 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.