Nepal: Billet Imports Hit Over Four Years Low Amid Lockdown

Nepal’s billet imports were recorded at over four years low since Jan 2016, as per data maintained by SteelMint. Also country’s semi finished, Finished long & Flat Steel imports drop over 50% M-o-M in Apr’20.

The imports have dropped sharply due to lockdown measures which were announced by both India & Nepal since Mar 24th, thus the mills had put operations on hold, leading to fall in imports from India amidst logistic concern.

— The nation imported about 41,695 MT billet in Apr’20, plunged by 57.4% from 97,866 MT in Mar’20. Also, Apr’20 imports slacking by 53.76% against 90,179 in Apr’19.

— Sponge iron imports declined by 61.5% M-o-M with 10,105 MT in Apr’20.

— In context to Finished steel products, Flat steel imports declined by 59.5% M-o-M to 21,309 MT against 52,624 MT in Mar’20. Major share consisted of HRC/Plate at 14,200 MT & CRC at 5,272 MT.

— Meanwhile, Finish long steel imports dropped by 65.3% M-o-M to 11,563 MT in Apr’20; consisting wire rod about 9,517 MT and structure 2,046 MT.