U.S. Exports of Various Scrap Commodities Posted Substantial Dip

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The U.S. Census Bureau reported lower tonnages for scrap exports out of the U.S. across all sectors.

The ferrous scrap exports excluding stainless steel and alloy steel scrap recorded sharp decline in the month of April this year, falling to 1.305 million tonnes from 1.30 million tonnes a month before. However, the year-to-date exports, at 5.16 million tonnes, were still higher by 12.4% over the prior year period. Thailand, Malaysia and Mexico recorded major gains, whereas exports to South Korea, Vietnam, Canada and Indonesia recorded notable declines.

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The non-ferrous scrap exports too witnessed substantial decline. The exports of copper were down at 53,327 tonnes in April, compared to 64,000 tonnes exported in March. Aluminum scrap exports too were down month-on-month from 163,000 tonnes to 124,400 tonnes. The year-to-date copper and aluminum scrap exports are down by 21% and 6.5% respectively. Census Bureau data said.

The plastic scrap exports in April were down by 10% to 42,138 tonnes. The paper exports witnessed heavy decline, registering a fall by 18.6%.

India emerged as the largest export market for the U.S. so far this year. On the other hand, scrap shipments to China, Hong Kong and China posted declines.