Thailand: Ferrous Scrap Imports Down 7% in November

Scrap exports from Australia fall sharply by 88% M-o-M while that from US jump almost three folds in Nov’18.

As per recently released customs data, Thailand imported 138,870 MT ferrous scrap in Nov’18, down 7% M-o-M as against 148,960 MT in Oct’18. On yearly basis, scrap imports recorded a drop of 11% Y-o-Y in Nov'18 as against 155,663 MT ferrous scrap in Nov'17.

A marginal fall in ferrous scrap imports could be attributed to sharply declined exports from Australia and Panama despite a jump in exports from US on a monthly basis.

Notably, the country witnessed a third successive fall in scrap imports despite a correction in global scrap prices amid dull finish steel demand in the country. Moreover, sentiments turned bearish in semi-finish steel imports witnessing sharp fall in Pig iron imports (89% M-o-M) in Nov'18.

United States remained the largest scrap supplier in Nov’18 - United States stepped up back at the top supplier position supplying more than twice volume in Nov'18. Exports stood at 69,027 MT in Nov’18, up 203% M-o-M as against 22,760 MT in Oct’18. It occupied the highest 50% share in total imports.

Myanmar remained the second largest supplier observing stability in exports to Thailand. It supplied 11,157 MT ferrous scrap occupying 8% share in Nov’18. Philipines also observed stability on a monthly basis supplying 9,916 MT ferrous scrap in Nov’18.

Followed by other prominent exporters were Panama (6,740 MT, -47% M-o-M), Dominican Republic (6,178 MT, +34% M-o-M), Costa Rica (3,620 MT, -64% M-o-M) and Australia (3,432 MT, -88% M-o-M).

Crude steel production fell 19% in Nov’18 - According to WSA, during the eleven months of CY18 Thailand has produced 4.01 MnT crude steel as against 4.08 MnT during the same period last year. While crude steel production decreased 19% M-o-M to 0.30 MnT in Nov'18 as against 0.37 MnT in Oct’18.

Total Semi finish imports down 41% M-o-M in Nov’18 - The country imported 116,741 MT billet in Nov'18, down 12% M-o-M against 133,073 MT in Oct’18. On the other hand, pig iron imports plunged sharply against the last month. The country imported 8,904 MT pig iron in Nov’18 as against 80,562 MT in Oct’18.

Thailand's ferrous scrap imports up 15% during Jan-Nov’18 �" Thailand imported 1,510,228 MT ferrous scrap during Jan-Nov'18, up 15% Y-o-Y as against 1,317,924 MT ferrous scrap during the same period last year.

Thailand steel industry is majorly dominated by rolling mills and most of them make use of electric arc furnace route thus making the country a major scrap consumer. Few of the major steel include G Steel, Tata Steel Thailand, Sahaviriya Steel Industries PLC etc.

Country-wise Thailand ferrous scrap imports -

Quantity in MnT,
Source: SteelMint Stats