US Steel Imports Down 16% Between May-June

The US imported a total of 2.48 million tonnes of steel in June, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. This figure includes 1.84 million tonnes of finished steel products, down 15.5% from May's final data.

Annual steel imports in the first six months of 2018 decreased to 17.8 million tonnes of total and 13.9 million tonnes of finished products, down 9.3% and 7.1% year-on-year.

The annual import volume of finished steel in 2018 will amount to 35.7 million tons, which is 6.3% lower than in 2017.

The market share of finished steel in June was estimated at 22%, and last year - 25%.

Imports of "sheets and strips of all other metal coated products" in June rose 11% compared to May, while other large products with a "significant annual increase" compared to the same period in 2017 were: hot rolled sheets (up 24%), ; plates (up to 21%); (up to 14%) and mechanical pipes (up to 11%).

The largest volumes of finished steel imports came from South Korea (208 thousand tons, which is 89% more than in May); Japan (129 thousand tons, up 7%); Vietnam (120 thousand onn, up 61%); Germany (111 thousand tons, an increase of 21%) and Taiwan (93 thousand tons, an increase of 20%).


During the first six months of 2018, the largest offshore suppliers were: South Korea (1.74 million tonnes, down 10%); Japan (741 thousand tons, down 7%); Germany (660 thousand tons, up 10%); Turkey (647 thousand tons, up 56%); and Taiwan (560 thousand tons, down 16%).