Prices
U.S. Steel Exports Rise in June, But Remain Historically Low
Written by Brett Linton
August 13, 2020
U.S. steel exports in June increased 20 percent from the prior month’s 24-year low. Now standing at 423,000 tons, June exports are 29 percent lower than levels one year prior, according to recent U.S. Department of Commerce data.
The 2020 monthly average for exports has decreased to 522,000 tons, whereas the first six months of 2019 averaged 609,000 tons. The 2019 monthly average was 616,000 tons.
Total June exports were above the three-month moving average (average of April through June 2020), but below the 12-month moving average (average of July 2019 through June 2020). Here is a detailed breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports decreased 7 percent from May to 67,052 tons, and were down 19 percent compared to one year ago. The last time cut plate exports were this low was December 2019.
Exports of coiled plate were 19,120 tons in June, down 9 percent over last month, and down 40 percent year over year. This is the lowest export level seen in our nine year data history, surpassing the previous low of 19,558 tons in September 2019.
Hot rolled steel exports fell 1 percent over May to 22,569 tons, down 42 percent from June 2019. This is also the lowest export level seen in our limited data history, surpassing last month’s low of 22,835 tons.
Exports of cold rolled products were 22,951 tons in June, up 37 percent from May, but down 40 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports increased 117 percent month over month to 71,394 tons. Compared to levels one year ago, June was down 38 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products were 13,425 tons, up 32 percent from May, but down 27 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 and see a longer history, 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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