Steel exports recovered in May but still historically low

US steel exports rose 10% from April to May but remained low compared to recent years, according to figures recently released by the US Department of Commerce. This came just one month after exports fell to the lowest level recorded in nearly five years.

Steel exports increased by 57,000 short tons (st) month over month (m/m) to 636,000 st, the third-lowest monthly rate seen in the past year (Figure 1). May trade was 11% below the average monthly export rate of the prior 12 months (716,000 st) and 19% less than the same month last 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.