Features

Steel exports dip again in June

August 8, 2025

The volume of steel shipped outside of the country in June fell 3% from the prior month to 618,000 short tons (st), according to recently released data from the US Department of Commerce.

June marks the third-lowest monthly export rate recorded across the past 18 months, just 39,000 st above the near-five-year low rate seen in April (Figure 1). June trade was 12% below the average monthly export rate of the prior year (703,000 st) and 20% less than the same month last year.

The vast majority of US exports (typically 90% or more) are sent to US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trading partners. In June, Mexico received 59% of total US exports and 35% were sent to Canada. Other notable destinations (each accounting for 1% or less of June exports) included China, Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, India, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Germany, and Chile. To explore more detailed export data on specific products or countries, visit the International Trade Administration’s Steel Mill Export Monitor.

Monthly averages show downward trends

Viewing exports on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis can dampen the fluctuations seen month to month (Figure 2, left). On this basis, exports have trended lower overall since peaking in July 2023 at a five-year high of 887,000 st. The 3MMA fell in June for the third consecutive month to 611,000 st, the lowest monthly rate seen since September 2020.

Exports can be annualized on a 12-month moving average (12MMA) to eliminate seasonal variations typically seen around the end of the year (Figure 2, right). From this angle, exports have weakened since peaking in early 2024, but remain above 2019-21 levels. The 12MMA declined through June for the sixth month in a row, resting at a four-year low of 703,000 st.

Exports by product

Although total exports were down from May to June, four of the six flat-rolled steel products we follow saw increased exports in that time. Despite this, most products remained near historical lows; all were below their respective 12MMA rates and significantly lower than year-ago levels. Notable June trends by product include:

Plate-cut-length exports increased 14% month over month, rising to a four-month high.
Coiled plate exports rose 3%, the highest volume recorded since January.
Hot-rolled exports fell 4%.
Cold-rolled exports eased 1%.
Galvanized exports increased 2% to a three-month high.
Other-metallic coated (mostly Galvalume) increased less than 1% to the highest rate seen since January.

SMU members can view historical steel trade data on the Steel Exports page of our website.

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.