Vietnamese steel import and export situation in January 2024
Steel NewsDate: 04-03-2024 by: Ngoc Cam
In January 2024, Vietnam exported more than 1.16 million tons of steel with a value of more than 822.65 million USD and imported nearly 1.49 million tons of steel with a value of 1.06 billion USD. Notably, Vietnam's steel exports in 2024 will have many positive bright spots thanks to rising world steel demand and support from developed economies.
1. Steel export situation in January 2024
According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, as of January 2024, Vietnam's steel exports have increased for 4 consecutive months, reaching more than 1.16 million tons with a value of 822.65 million USD, an increase of 7.1% in price and 7.4% in value compared to the previous month; increased by 72.6% in volume and 80% y/y in 2023. The average export steel price also increased by 0.3% over the previous month and increased by 3.9% over the same period in 2023, to 709 USD/ton.
2. Steel import situation in January 2024
Conversely, steel imports in January 2024 reached nearly 1.49 million tons with a value of 1.06 billion USD, an increase of 27.3% in volume and 22.3% in value compared to December 2023; increased sharply by 151.2% in volume and 101.6% in value y/y in 2023. The average imported steel price reached 712 USD/ton, down 3.9% over the previous month and down 19.7% over the same period in 2023.
Steel scrap imports in January 2024 also decreased after 3 consecutive months of increase, reaching 356,301 tons with a value of 140.96 million USD, down 18.8% in volume and 9.6% in value compared to the previous month. The average price of imported scrap steel reached 396 USD/ton, up 11.3% over the previous month and up 2.7% over the same period in 2023.
3. Positive expectations for the steel industry in 2024
The above positive results raise high hopes for the steel export market in 2024. Export volume in the following months can maintain growth thanks to a positive global demand outlook. According to the World Steel Association, world steel demand is expected to increase by 1.9% in 2024, demand from developed countries is expected to increase by 2.8%, of which the US and Europe will increase by 5.8% and 1.6%, respectively. On the other hand, steel demand of ASEAN countries (except Vietnam) is expected to increase by 5.2% in 2024, up 1.4% compared to 2023.
It is expected that Vietnam's steel export output will improve in the first quarter due to the increasing difference between prices in North America and Europe compared to steel prices in Vietnam. In addition, Europe also issued sanctions and strictly controlled the import of semi-finished steel products from Russia while supporting the import of Vietnamese steel.
