Based on reported import licenses, US flat products imports climbed 8% in May compared to preliminary April census data. Imports increased from 556,000 short tons to 602,000 tons. This can be compared to 350,000 of flat products imports in May 2009.
The increase was driven by hot roll imports which rose 17% to 354,00 tons due to rising imports from Korea, Australia and Finland. Hot dip galvanized imports rose marginally by 3% and cut plate and cold roll imports dropped.
It’s too early in the month to accurately forecast full-month June imports, but I will update the spreadsheet below with the newest June 15th data next week.