Based on reported import licenses, US flat products imports rose by 4% in February to reach 553,000 short tons compared to January actuals of 532,000 tons. This small change in the total flat products import level masks a 41% decline in cut plate imports to 66,000 tons and a 29% rise in hot roll imports to 278,000 tons. Cut plate import licenses declined significantly for the Ukraine, Malaysia and Russia. Hot roll import licenses increased significantly for Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Korea and Finland.
Flat products import licenses reported up to 17 March were 262,000 tons which implies that full-month February imports will be flat.