Steel Products Prices North America
U.S. Steel Exports Bounced Back in January
Written by Brett Linton
March 10, 2020
New Commerce Department data shows the United States exported 647,156 tons of steel in January, up 21 percent from December and up 2 percent from the same month one year ago. While up dramatically over one month prior, recall that December 2019 was the second lowest export level in the past decade (just ahead of the lowest level in December 2018).
January exports were 5 percent above the 2019 average of 615,698 tons, but remain significantly muted compared to historical levels, as shown in the purple line graph below.
Total January exports were above the three-month moving average (average of November 2019 through January 2020), and above the 12-month moving average (average of February 2019 through January 2020). Here is a breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports increased 27 percent from December to 76,829 tons, down 4 percent compared to one year ago.
Exports of coiled plate were 45,104 tons in January, up 28 percent over last month, and up 55 percent year over year. This is the highest level seen since September 2017.
Hot rolled steel exports fell 5 percent over December to 55,592 tons, but were up 16 percent over January 2019.
Exports of cold rolled products were 41,661 tons in January, up 19 percent from December, but down 16 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports increased 13 percent month over month to 113,192 tons. Compared to one year ago, January was down 11 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products were 18,805 tons, up 20 percent from December and up 5 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
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Steel Products Prices North America
Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.
SMU Price Ranges: Some predict bottom is near as big discounts dry up
Sheet prices were mixed this week as some mills continued to offer significant discounts to larger buyers while others have shifted toward being more disciplined, market participants said.
SMU Price Ranges: Tags mixed as uncertainty weighs on market
SMU’s hot-rolled (HR) coil price held steady this week while prices for other sheet and plate products declined.
Nucor spot HR list price unchanged at $875/ton
Nucor kept its weekly list price for hot-rolled (HR) coil unchanged this week, following a price bump of $10 per short ton (st) last week.
SMU price ranges: Flat-rolled balloon continues to leak
Sheet and plate prices were flat or lower again this week on continued concerns about demand and higher production rates among US mills.