April Import Share of US Sheet and Plate Markets

Imports of less expensive sheet and plate products continue to arrive at US ports, though at a much slower pace in April. Following a boost in volumes in March, imports of flat products decelerated in April and saw their share of the domestic steel market fall, according to Commerce Department data.

Imports’ share of US sheet and plate markets peaked in December, reaching their highest levels in the past 4.5 years. The trend was driven by the need for buyers to find relief from inflated steel prices in the US. As the market slowed at year-end, so did imports. That trend reversed in March, but the arrival of foreign sheet and plate products tumbled back down in April.

David Schollaert

David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.