Rebar final imports to the U.S. were down 20% YoY, and down 5.4% MoM in March 2019, coming in at 100,866 tons. The top five account for 64% of the total intake. These include: concrete reinforcing bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel, in irregularly wound coils hot-rolled, concrete reinforcing bars and rods of other alloy steel, not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, and other bars and rods iton or non-alloy steel, hot-worked, concrete reinforcing bars and rods.

Figure 1 breaks down total final rebar imports from January 2018 – June 2019. When comparing year to date figures from 2018 and 2019, 2019 imports came in at 98,232, up significantly (104%) from 2018.

Figure 1 also charts the largest exporting countries in rank order through June for both 2019 and 2018. Spain was the largest exporter of rebar with 40,253 tons in June 2019. Mexico was the second largest exporter with 14,883 tons. The Dominican Republic was the third largest rebar exporter to the US with 12,395. Together these three exporters accounted for 69% of the total.

Houston/Galveston, TX port was the largest receiver of U.S. rebar in June 2019, receiving 30,728 tons. Miami, FL port was the second largest receiver coming in at 28,000 tons.

At Gerdau we closely follow trade in long products steel since it has a profound impact on domestic market share and material pricing. We want you, our valued customers to have access to current information that can help you better plan and operate your businesses.