Steel Products
December Imports Down 15%
Written by John Packard
January 28, 2013
December Imports Down 15%
Imports dropped by 377,746 net tons compared to the prior month. On a day’s adjusted basis December imports were 15 percent lower than November. Based on preliminary license data January imports are projected to be approximately 2.9 million net tons – well above both the 3-month and 12-month moving average.
Semi-finished (slabs) continued their strong showing during the month of December at 661,718 net tons. Hot rolled coil and cold rolled were also above their 3-month and 12-month moving averages while galvanized and Galvalume were not during December. However, for January all four flat rolled products are forecast to be above their 3-month and 12-month moving averages based on early license data (subject to revision).
John Packard
Read more from John PackardLatest in Steel Products
US HR prices surge above offshore tags
Hot-rolled (HR) coil prices leaped in the US this week, while tags abroad saw more measured gains. The result: US hot band prices have become even more expensive than imports on a landed basis. In fact, the premium US HR prices carry over HR prices abroad now stands at a 12-month high.
US rig counts inch up again, Canadian activity slips
The latest oil and gas rig count in the US increased slightly from last week, while Canadian activity edged lower, according to Baker Hughes.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Past survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]
CRU: Rising protectionism impacts global steel trade
US sheet prices surge following tariff announcement
SMU Community Chat replay now available
The latest SMU Community Chat webinar reply is now available on our website to all members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the community tab and look under the “previous webinars” section of the dropdown menu. All past Community Chat webinars are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the webinar replay, or if your company […]