Steel Products Prices North America

Slight Decline in November Exports
Written by Brett Linton
January 14, 2021
U.S. steel exports slipped 8 percent in November to 668,000 tons, according to recent U.S. Department of Commerce data. Although down over the prior month, November shows improvement compared to earlier this year; exports are up 79 percent compared to May, when we saw the lowest level in SMU’s 24-year data history. Total November exports are up 7 percent from levels one year ago, marking the third consecutive month with a year-over-year increase.
The 2020 monthly average for exports has now increased to 588,000 tons, still below the 2019 monthly average of 648,000 tons.
Total November exports were below the three-month moving average (average of September through November 2020), but above the 12-month moving average (average of December 2019 through November 2020). Here is a detailed breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports were up 9 percent from October to 79,118 tons, up 21 percent compared to one year ago.
Exports of coiled plate were 52,133 tons in November, down 7 percent over last month, but up 34 percent year over year.
Hot rolled steel exports fell 33 percent over October to 66,090 tons, up 45 percent from November 2019.
Exports of cold rolled products were 44,340 tons in November, up 4 percent from October, and up 7 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports decreased 9 percent month over month to 111,184 tons. Compared to levels one year ago, November is down 5 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products were 22,897 tons, up 4 percent from October and up 27 percent compared to one year ago. This is the highest level seen since October 2019.
Below are two graphs showing the history of total U.S. steel exports through November data, one with unadjusted monthly figures and the other with data on a three-month moving average. We also have interactive graphics available on our website here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.
By Brett Linton, brett@steelmarketupdate.com

Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Steel Products Prices North America

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.

HRC vs. busheling spread narrows in August
The price spread between prime scrap and hot-rolled coil (HRC) narrowed in August, according to SMU’s most recent pricing data.

SMU Price Ranges: Market drifts lower still
All five of SMU's steel sheet and plate price indices declined this week, falling to lows last seen in February.

Discontentment brews in plate market with flat, status-quo pricing
Sources in the carbon and alloy steel plate market said they are less discouraged by market uncertainty resulting from tariffs or foreign relations, but are instead, eager to see disruption to the flat pricing environment.

Nucor lowers HR coil spot price by $15/ton
Nucor has implemented a double-digit price decrease on spot hot-rolled (HR) coil for the second consecutive week.