Steel Imports Down 17% in 2019

January 27, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the U.S. imported a total of 1,553,000 net tons (NT) of steel in December 2019, including 1,347,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 0.5% and up 1.2%, respectively, vs. November final data). For full year 2019 total and finished steel imports are 27,905,000 and 21,042,000 net tons (NT), down 17.3% and 18.1%, respectively, vs. 2018. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 15% in December and is estimated at 19% for full year 2019. Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in December compared to November are plates in coils (up 41%), hot rolled sheets (up 27%), cold rolled sheets (up 22%) and cut lengths plates (up 18%).

Read the full statistical report here.

####

Contact: Lisa Harrison
202.452.7115 / lharrison@www.steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook or Twitter (@AISISteel).