US flat products imports rise 18% in September

Based on reported import licenses, US flat products imports grew 18% from 468,000 short tons in August to 551,000 tons in September. This followed a 20% fall between July and August. In comparison, September 2009 imports were 434,000 tons and September 2008 imports were 816,000 tons.

The largest volume increase in imports came from hot roll which which was driven by a rise in imports from Australia. Imports of cold roll and cut plate also grew but hot dip galvanized imports fell by 34%.

Flat products imports licenses for October reported up to October 19th were 348,000 tons which means that full-month October imports should be higher than September imports.