US steel exports inch higher in March from low base

US steel exports increased 6% from February to March but remain historically low, according to recently released US Department of Commerce data. Exports have trended lower for over a year now.

The volume of steel shipped out of the country in March totaled 658,000 short tons (st), 6% less than the same month one year ago. Recall that last December, exports fell to a five-year low of 469,000 st. March trade was 5% above the average monthly export rate of 2025 (629,000 st), but 15% below the average rate of 2024 (770,000 st).

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.