Based on reported import licenses, US flat products imports fell 38% from 749,000 short tons in April 2019 to 466,000 tons in April this year. Of all flat products categories, hot dip galvanized shows the largest import volume decline at 45%, with lower volumes from Canada, Austria, Vietnam, and South Africa. Compared to last April, hot roll imports are down 30%, cold roll down 33% and cut plate down 57%.
Based on January, February and March imports and April import licenses, flat products imports so far this year were 20% lower than in the same period last year with the largest import volume declines coming from hot roll (-18%) and cold roll (-24%).