US exports of steel declined in June by 98k short tons (kston) compared to May, an 8.5% fall according to government data.
Exports declined in every major steel export market in June, with over 87% of the decline a result of lower exports to NAFTA and other Western Hemisphere markets. The declines reflect weakened conditions in these markets -- especially in NAFTA at the time orders were taken. Exports to other smaller export markets likewise declined in June.
For the first half of 2013 compared to 2012, steel exports declined by 10.9%, including a 9.1% decline in June 2013 compared to June 2012. “The reduction in exports for the first half of 2013 shows the weakened conditions in many steel markets, as all markets posted declines for the first half. With stronger market conditions at this time in the NAFTA region, NAFTA exports could show some improvement in coming months provided that the current conditions show some "staying power," says Phelps, president, AIIS.
Total Steel exports in June 2013 were 1.064M stons compared to 1.163M stons in May 2013, an 8.5% decrease, and a 9.1% decrease compared to June 2012. According to year-to-date figures, the decline in exports continues with a decreased of 10.9% compared to 2012 or from 7.277M stons in 2012 to 6.482M stons in 2013. Canada was the largest importer of steel from USA at 3.37M stons in the year to date, followed by Mexico (2.00M ston) and the EU (213.9kt).