Economy

Chinese Iron Ore, Scrap & Flat Rolled Imports/Exports for February 2017
Written by Brett Linton
March 30, 2017
Chinese steel trade data was recently released for the month of February 2017, providing updated data on iron ore imports, scrap imports, and flat rolled imports and exports. Chinese imports of iron ore in February were 83,490,000 metric tons, a decrease of 9.1 percent from the previous month but an increase of 13.4 percent from February 2016. Total iron ore imports for the first two months of 2017 are at 175,340,000 metric tons.
February Chinese imports of steel scrap were 270,000 metric tons, an increase of 29.2 percent from January and up 121.3 percent over the same month one year ago. 2017 total levels for steel scrap imports are at 480,000 metric tons.
Flat rolled imports to China in February were 910,000 metric tons, down 3.0 percent from the previous month but up 19.0 percent over February 2016 figures. Total 2017 YTD imports were adjusted to 1,850,000 metric tons.
Chinese exports of flat rolled steel were 3,200,000 metric tons for February, down 18.5 percent from January and down 2.0 percent from February 2016. Total flat rolled exports for 2017 through February are at an adjusted 7,140,000 metric tons. (Source: Bradford Research, Inc. & China Customs Service)
You can view an interactive graphic of the Chinese trade data history on the Steel Market Update website here. If you need assistance with either logging in or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Economy

ISM: Manufacturing expansion loses steam after two months of growth
US manufacturing activity slowed in March after two straight months of expansion, according to supply executives contributing to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)’s latest report.

Chicago Business Barometer rose to 16-month high in March
The Chicago Business Barometer increased for the third-consecutive month in March. Despite this, it still reflects contracting business conditions, as it has since December 2023.

Durable goods orders rise again in February
Transportation equipment led the increase, rising 1.5% to $98.3 billion.

Consumer confidence falls for fourth consecutive month
People remain concerned about inflation, trade policies, and tariffs.

Housing starts ticked up in February
Single-family starts last month hit a rate of 1.10 million, a month-over-month increase of 11.4%, census data shows.