Based on reported import licenses, US flat products imports rose 12% from 252,000 short tons in June to 282,000 tons in July. This compares to flat products imports of 816,000 tons in September 2008 when we started collecting flat products license data.
Hot rolled imports increased by 23% to 146,000 tons and hot dip galvanized imports increased by 12% to 62,000 tons. Cut plate imports declined 14% to 23,000 tons and cold rolled imports were flat.
Licenses reported up to August 12th indicate that full month August results will be higher than July’s.