[SMM Steel] 영국 철강 산업, 새 무역 보호에도 수입 의존 계속

US exports of steel concrete reinforcing bars (rebar) totaled 23,288 metric tons (mt) in April 2026, marking a sharp 14.9% decline compared to the 27,365 mt exported in March, and dropping 35.1% relative to April 2025 volumes. Reflecting weaker pricing segments, the total export value compressed to $13.5 million from $15.8 million in the previous month and $16.0 million in the prior year. Cross-border regional supply chains within North America continued to absorb the entire output, with shipments to Canada hitting 10,950 mt (down from 14,707 mt in March) and exports to Mexico settling at 4,343 mt, while no other single international destination exceeded 500 mt. The market impact indicates that prolonged stagnation in Canadian residential construction and commercial fabrication activities has heavily paralyzed cross-border rebar shipment velocity. This severe reduction in outbound flows points to an accumulation of merchant long products at US domestic mini-mills, which will likely compel domestic producers to slash pricing to clear rising inventories

According to preliminary census data from the US Department of Commerce, United States imports of line pipe totaled 82,410 metric tons (mt) in April 2026, marking a 3.0% increase from the 80,010 mt imported in March, though registering a 12.5% decrease compared to April 2025. The total import value for the month grew to $98.4 million, up from $95.5 million in February. Canada remained the dominant primary exporter to the US market with 34,884 mt, followed by South Korea with 18,008 mt and Germany with 9,901 mt, while no other single origin exceeded 5,000 mt.

Indian state-run mining giant NMDC Limited formally awarded a major infrastructure development contract valued at INR 26.21 billion ($340 million) to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL). According to regulatory filings, the heavy engineering project encompasses the comprehensive design and construction of a centralized iron ore buffer stockyard and mechanized blending facility at the southern port town of Vishakhapatnam. Scheduled for absolute completion within 42 months, the logistics complex will optimize the bulk handling, raw material storage, and maritime movement of high-grade ores, boosting merchant supply chain efficiency.