Steel Products Prices North America

U.S. Steel Exports Near Three-Year High in June

Written by Brett Linton

August 10, 2021

U.S. steel exports rose 5% in June to 778,000 tons, according to new U.S. Department of Commerce trade data. This marks the second highest monthly export level in the last three years, just behind the April 2021 high of 790,000 tons. Of our six monitored product groups, four products declined month-over-month and two increased. 

Recall that 2020 saw a big swing in export levels: The year started strong, nearing 700,000 tons through March. Then the COVID-19 downturn choked exports in the summer months, with June 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. June 2021 exports are 75% higher than levels one year prior.

Total exports for the first six months of 2021 now equal 4.42 million tons, up from 3.30 million tons in the same period of 2020, and up from 3.90 million tons in the same period of 2019. 

US Steel Exports

US Steel Exports

Total June exports were 2% above the three-month moving average (average of April through June 2021), and 14% above the 12-month moving average (average of July 2020 through June 2021). Here is a detailed breakdown by product:

Cut-to-length plate exports were down 3% from May to 102,580 tons, but up 50% compared to one year ago.

Exports of coiled plate were 47,108 tons in June, down 6% from the prior month, but up 112% from levels seen one year earlier.

Hot rolled steel exports were flat from May at 64,678 tons, up 167% from the prior year.

Exports of cold rolled products were 52,832 tons in June, down 6% from May, but up 122% from the same time last year.

Galvanized exports increased 20% month over month to 128,262 tons. Compared to levels one year ago, June was up 74%.

Exports of all other metallic-coated products were 25,663 tons, up 7% from May, and up 82% year-over-year.

US Steel Exports

We have an interactive graphing tool available on our website here where readers can further investigate historical export data in total and by product. The example below shows exports through June for plates in coils, hot rolled, cold rolled, and galvanized steel. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, contact us at Info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

US Steel Exports

By Brett Linton, Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior 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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