Steel Products Prices North America
Steel Exports Rise in May But Remain Weak Historically
Written by Brett Linton
July 18, 2019
U.S. steel exports in May totaled 630,107 net tons (571,624 metric tons), up 4.6 percent from April, but down 26.5 percent from levels one year ago.
May levels are on the high side for 2018, but low comapred to the past few years. This time last year, exports were averaging 840,000 to 860,000 tons.
The total May export figure is above the three-month moving average (average of March, April and May), but below the 12-month moving average (average of June 2018 through May 2019). Here is a breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports rose 17.0 percent from April to 75,920 tons, but were down 12.3 percent compared to levels one year ago.
Exports of coiled plate were 32,464 tons in May, up 17.1 percent month over month, but down 7.7 percent year over year.
Hot rolled steel exports rose 10.2 percent over April to 44,877 tons, but were down 28.4 percent from May 2017 levels.
Exports of cold rolled products were 41,767 tons in May, down 10.0 percent from April, and down 17.7 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports rose 5.8 percent month over month to 116,298 tons. Compared to one year ago, May levels declined 8.8 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products were 19,513 tons, down 5.9 percent from April, and down 18.6 percent 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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