Steel Products Prices North America

Steel Exports Up in October, But Still Low

Written by Brett Linton

December 11, 2018

U.S. steel exports in October totaled 631,087 net tons (572,513 metric tons), up 7.9 percent from September, but down 28.5 percent from October 2017. Although up over the previous month, October export levels remain low in comparison to previous years. The September figure of 584,858 was the lowest monthly export figure seen in nearly 16 years.

Prior to the last four months, total exports had averaged around 850,000 tons per month for over a year, with the only sub-800,000 figure being in December 2017.

The total October export figure is above the three-month moving average (average of August 2018, September 2018 and October 2018), but below the 12-month moving average (average of November 2017 through October 2018). That is also the case for most of the products in the table below. Here is a breakdown by product:

Cut plate exports increased 0.6 percent from September to 67,830 tons, but were down 33.2 percent compared to levels one year ago.

Exports of coiled plate were 25,539 tons in October, up 30.6 percent month over month, but down 42.4 percent year over year.

Hot rolled steel exports rose 56.2 percent month over month to 55,404 tons, but were down 32.2 percent from October 2017 levels.

Exports of cold rolled products were 49,069 tons in October, up 22.0 percent from September, and up 5.7 percent over the same month last year.

Galvanized exports rose 4.1 percent month over month to 109,540 tons. Compared to one year ago, October levels were down 7.9 percent.

Exports of all other metallic coated products came in at 22,388 tons, a 22.0 percent increase from September, and a 4.7 percent increase compared to one year ago.

To see an interactive graphic of our steel imports history through final October data (examples 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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