Steel Products Prices North America
Steel Exports Slip in April to Near 1998 Low
Written by Brett Linton
June 11, 2020
United States steel exports slumped to a 21-year low in April, down 39 percent from March and down 33 percent from one year prior, according to recent U.S. Department of Commerce data.
April steel exports totaled 403,949 net tons, just a hair above the December 1998 low. Recall that March export levels were at a five-month high. The 2020 monthly average is now down to 589,112 tons, whereas the first four months of 2019 totaled 606,926 tons, and the 2019 monthly average was 615,698 tons.
Total April exports were below the three-month moving average (average of February through April 2020), and also below the 12-month moving average (average of May 2019 through April 2020). Here is a breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports decreased 24 percent from March to 74,721 tons, but were up 15 percent compared to one year ago.
Exports of coiled plate were 27,025 tons in April, down 35 percent over last month, and down 3 percent year over year.
Hot rolled steel exports fell 51 percent over March to 25,425 tons, and were down 38 percent over April 2019.
Exports of cold rolled products were 26,194 tons in April, down 34 percent from March, and down 44 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports decreased 58 percent month over month to 43,172 tons. Compared to one year ago, April was down 61 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products were 13,790 tons, down 31 percent from March, and down 34 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
SMU successfully completes IOSCO review
SMU has successfully completed an external review of all our prices. The review has concluded that they algin with principles set by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
Domestic plate prices could heat up despite so-so demand, market sources say
Some sources also speculated that plate could see further price increases thanks to modest but steady demand, lower imports, mill maintenance outages, and end markets less immediately affected by tariff-related disruptions.
SMU Price Ranges: HR holds, galv slips amid competing market narratives
SMU’s sheet and plate prices see-sawed this week as hot-rolled (HR) coil prices held their ground while prices for galvanized product slipped.
Nucor carries $875/ton HR list price into week seven
Nucor is keeping hot-rolled (HR) coil prices unchanged again this week, according to its latest consumer spot price (CSP) notice issued on Monday, Oct. 6
SMU Price Ranges: A newsy week sees modest price gains despite a quiet spot market
Market participants predicted that prices should be at or near a bottom. But while most seemed to agree on that point, many also said they saw little upside given a quiet spot market and ongoing concerns about demand.