Steel Products Prices North America
Uptick in March Steel Exports
Written by Brett Linton
May 12, 2020
United States steel exports totaled 664,129 net tons of steel in March, up 4 percent from February and up 13 percent from one year prior, according to recent U.S. Department of Commerce data. March export levels are the hightest seen since October 2019 when 709,496 tons were exported to other countries. Prior to October, the last time exports were this high was June 2018 at 913,705 tons. The 2020 monthly average is now up to 650,833 tons, whereas the first three months of 2019 totaled 608,351 tons, and the 2019 monthly average was 615,698 tons.
Total March exports were above the three-month moving average (average of January through March 2020), and also above the 12-month moving average (average of April 2019 through March 2020). Here is a breakdown by product:
Cut plate exports increased 20 percent from February to 98,964 tons, up 73 percent compared to one year ago. This is the highest level seen since November 2017 at 101,526 tons.
Exports of coiled plate were 41,744 tons in March, up 5 percent over last month, and up 72 percent year over year.
Hot rolled steel exports rose 6 percent over February to 52,095 tons, and were up 29 percent over March 2019.
Exports of cold rolled products were 39,501 tons in March, up 4 percent from February, but down 21 percent over the same month last year.
Galvanized exports decreased 14 percent month over month to 101,878 tons. Compared to one year ago, March was down 10 percent.
Exports of all other metallic coated products were 19,848 tons, up 7 percent from February and up 10 percent compared to one year ago. This is the highest level seen since October 2019 at 20,996 tons.
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.
Brett Linton
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