US metallics imports rise, scrap falls in March

US southeast imports of pig iron, HBI/DRI rose in March 2019 from a year earlier, while ferrous scrap imports dropped.

Combined imports of scrap and metallics to southeast US ports rose by 2pc year over year in March to 627,532t, according to US Commerce Department data. First quarter combined imports edged up by 6.5pc to 2.03mn compared to 2018.

Scrap

Ferrous scrap imports to the southeast US hit the second lowest levels of imports since November 2016. March imports totaled 19,003t, falling from 60,042t in the previous year. The total was almost completely made up of a shipment of predominantly shredded scrap into Charleston, South Carolina.

First quarter ferrous imports climbed by 54pc to 235,716t compared to 2018.

Metallics

Pig iron imports in March rose by 3.6pc to 448,746t from the prior year. Russian and Ukrainian shipments fell, while Brazilian and South African imports increased.

The US received a shipment from Italy during the month, with Charleston receiving 50,520t.

Brazilian imports climbed by 56.5pc to 162,155t, while South African imports rose by 8pc to 14,701t.

Russian and Ukrainian imports dropped by 32pc and 22pc to 159,333t and 62,003t, respectively.

New Orleans imports dropped by 39pc year over year to 157,104t on the month as flooding and high-water conditions on the Mississippi river resulted in congestion and draft restrictions at the port.

Imports to Wilmington, North Carolina, fell by 16pc to 27,131t.

Charleston imported 16pc more than a year ago at 112,557t. Mobile, Alabama, shipments rose from 53,425t to 151,954t.

First quarter pig iron imports were level with the same period a year earlier at 1.3mn t.

HBI/DRI imports increased by 31pc to 160,053t in March from a year ago, solely provided by Trinidad and Tobago.

First quarter imports for HBI/DRI increased by 12pc year over year to 480,688t.

Combined HBI/DRI and pig iron imports rose by 9.6pc to 608,799t for the month.

US Southeast ferrous scrap/metallics imports t