Steel Products Prices North America
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/media/k2/items/src/8182adf814db56fb9a20f69361733b98.jpg)
Steel Imports Holding Strong, Reach 17-Month High in June
Written by Brett Linton
August 5, 2021
Final Census data shows that total foreign steel imports increased 16% from May to June, reaching 2.93 million tons. As stated in our preliminary import analysis, this is now the highest monthly import level of 2021, surpassing the April high. The last time monthly import levels exceeded this rate was January 2020 when 3.16 million tons of steel entered the country.
July import licenses are currently at 2.85 million tons as of Aug. 5, 3% less than June but up 13% compared to May. Total finished imports were finalized at 2.13 million tons in June, the highest level seen since January 2019 when they reached 2.46 million tons. Finished steel import licenses for July are currently at 2.02 million tons, up from 1.53 million tons just last week.
Due to large month-to-month swings in semifinished imports, the chart below shows total monthly imports on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis in an attempt to more accurately display U.S. steel import trends. The 3MMA through final June data is 2.70 million tons, up from 2.49 million tons in May and up from 2.28 million tons in April. The lowest 3MMA level in our recent history was October 2020 at 1.36 million tons. The June 3MMA is the highest level seen since March 2019 when 3MMA imports were 2.72 million tons. Looking at July license data, the July 3MMA is currently at 2.77 million tons, which could potentially be the highest level since October 2018’s 2.86 million ton rate.
The table below displays flat rolled product imports as well as other high-volume products, including rebar, tin plate, wire rod, structural pipe and tube, and other long products. We also provide data on categorized imports divided into semifinished, finished, flat rolled, longs, pipe and tube, and stainless products.
By Brett Linton, Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/SMU_BL_headshot-V4-150x150.png)
Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Steel Products Prices North America
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Nucor.png)
Nucor inches HR price up, aims for $695/ton
Nucor increased its consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled (HR) coil to $695 per short ton (st), up $5/st from last week.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Nucor.png)
Nucor maintains $690/ton HR base price
Nucor’s weekly consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled (HR) coil is unchanged from last week at $690/ton.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/CRU-Logo-2023-07-21-at-4.35.41-PM.png)
CRU: US prices find a bottom as other markets fall
The US sheet market appears to have reached a bottom following consistent weekly declines since April. However, other markets remain weak due to limited demand. Trading in Europe has been slow due to summer holidays. While European mills are also undergoing maintenance outages, these have not been enough to offset ongoing price falls, with weak […]
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Cliffs_logo2.2.png)
Cliffs seeks $700/ton for HR, up $30/ton from last week
Cleveland-Cliffs said on Wednesday that it would seek at least $700 per short ton (st) for hot-rolled (HR) coil. The Cleveland-based steelmaker said it made the move "due to ongoing market developments." The company said the increase was effective immediately for HR orders for September.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Nucor.png)
Nucor aims for $675/ton for HR
Nucor has raised its consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled (HR) coil to $675 per short ton (st), up $25/st from last week.