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    March 9, 2021

    Update on U.S. Steel Exports through January

    Written by Brett Linton

    After declining 8% in December, U.S. steel exports recovered by 9% in January to 671,000 tons, according to recent U.S. Department of Commerce data. Of our six monitored product groups, the largest month-to-month increase went to cut-length plate products, up 17%. Galvanized exports increased 15% over December, and exports of coiled plates increased 13%. On the other hand, hot rolled steel exports declined 23% from one month prior. Total January exports were down 1% compared to January 2020 levels.

    Recall that 2020 saw quite a swing in monthly export levels; the year started strong, nearing 700,000 tons in January through March. Then the COVID downturn choked exports in April and May, with May levels reaching the lowest seen in SMU’s 24-year data history at 374,000 tons. Monthly export levels recovered each month afterward through October, reaching a 2.5-year high of 730,000 tons, but slowed again through the remaining months of the year.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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