Steel Products Prices North America
August Steel Exports Rise to 13-Month High
Written by Brett Linton
October 10, 2019
The U.S. exported 650,838 tons of flat rolled steel in August, according to final Census data, a 5 percent rise from July, and up 1 percent from the same month one year ago. This is the highest monthly export figure since July 2018 when 655,937 tons of steel were exported outside of the country.
August exports were above the 2019 average of 615,996 tons, but remain significantly muted compared to recent years. It was just before this time last year when exports dropped from their 850,000+ ton levels down to sub-700,000 levels, as shown in the purple line graph below.
Total August exports were above both the three-month moving average (average of June, July and August), and above the 12-month moving average (average of September 2018 through August 2019). Here is a breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports fell 4 percent from July to 72,199 tons, also down 4 percent compared to one year ago.
Exports of coiled plate were 38,078 tons in August, up 21 percent month over month, and up 40 percent year over year.
Hot rolled steel exports rose 20 percent over July to 51,703 tons, and were up 9 percent over August 2018.
Exports of cold rolled products were 47,028 tons in August, up 9 percent from July, but down 11 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports increased 13 percent month over month to 123,172 tons. Compared to one year ago, August was up 9 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products were 19,366 tons, down 5 percent from July, and down 4 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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