Steel Products Prices North America

January U.S. Steel Exports Recover from December Lull

Written by Brett Linton

March 8, 2018

U.S. steel exports in January totaled 831,184 net tons (754,038 metric tons), up 10.5 percent from the month before, and up 1.6 percent from January 2017. Total exports have averaged around 850,000 tons over the last few months after reaching a 2.5-year high in May 2017 (1,006,087 tons). The total January export figure is above the three-month moving average (average of November 2017, December 2017 and January 2018), but below the 12-month moving average (average of February 2017 through January 2018). Here is a breakdown of flat rolled and plate steel exports:

Cut plate exports decreased 10.6 percent from December to 85,929 tons, down 21.3 percent compared to levels one year ago.

Exports of coiled plate were 35,727 tons in January, down 8.6 percent month over month, and down 32.1 percent year over year.

Hot rolled steel exports decreased 7.3 percent month over month to 67,461 tons, and were down 12.4 percent from January 2017 levels.

Exports of cold rolled products were 48,292 tons in January, up 22.0 percent from December, but down 10.3 percent over the same month last year.

Galvanized exports rose 30.0 percent month over month to 116,654 tons. Compared to one year ago, January levels were up 3.3 percent.

Exports of all other metallic coated products came in at 23,863 tons, a 34.1 percent increase from December, and a 24.2 percent increase compared to one year ago.

To see an interactive graphic of our Steel Exports history (example below), visit our website here. If you need any assistance logging in or navigating the site, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or 800-432-3475.

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.

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