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U.S. Steel Exports Sink in December, Near All-Time Low

Written by Brett Linton

February 10, 2020

The United States exported 534,724 tons of steel in December, according to final Commerce Department Census data, down 11 percent from November but up 3 percent from the same month one year ago. This is the second lowest export level in the past decade, just behind December 2018 when 519,099 tons were exported out of the country.

December exports were 13 percent below the 2019 average of 615,698 tons, and remain significantly muted compared to recent years as shown in the purple line graph below.

Total December exports were below the three-month moving average (average of October, November and December), and below the 12-month moving average (average of January through December 2019). Here is a breakdown by product:

Cut plate exports declined 5 percent from November to 60,606 tons, down 10 percent compared to one year ago.

Exports of coiled plate were 35,230 tons in December, down 1 percent over last month, but up 46 percent year over year.

Hot rolled steel exports rose 30 percent over November to 58,467 tons, up 3 percent over December 2018.

Exports of cold rolled products were 35,063 tons in December, down 12 percent from November and down 23 percent over the same month last year.

Galvanized exports declined 12 percent month over month to 100,004 tons. Compared to one year ago, December was up 18 percent.

Exports of all other metallic coated products were 15,667 tons, down 4 percent from November, but up 27 percent compared to one year ago.

US Steel Exports

Below are two graphs showing the history of U.S. steel exports, in total and by product. To use their interactive features, view the graphs on our website by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

US Steel Exports

US Steel Exports

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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