Steel Products Prices North America

Final June Imports Down 15 Percent to 2.5 Million Tons

Written by Brett Linton

August 9, 2018

Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Commerce released Final Census Data for the month of June. We found foreign steel imports were at the lowest level seen since 2012 at just under 2.5 million net tons. Finished steel imports totaled 1,886,767 net tons with all but coated steels seeing reductions.

When looking at the import license data for July it appears there will be a significant jump in imports as the trend is for 3.1 million net tons. Basically, every single item we follow is showing an increase in tonnage over June levels, and close to the 12-month moving average. There is a large move in slabs (semifinished) at more than 800,000 net tons.

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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