Steel Imports Down 22% Year-to-Date Through March

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 1,750,000 net tons (NT) of steel in March 2020, including 1,511,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 15.9% and 12.1%, respectively, vs. February final data). Through the first three months of 2020, total and finished steel imports are 6,410,000 and 4,507,000 net tons (NT), down 21.7% and 25.6%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2019. Annualized total and finished steel imports in 2020 would be 25.6 and 18.0 million NT, down 8.2% and 14.4%, respectively, vs. 2019. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 17% in March and is estimated at 17% over the first three months of 2020.

Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in March compared to February are oil country goods (up 129%), line pipe (up 93%), structural pipe and tubing (up 52%), cold rolled sheets (up 30%), wire rods (up 22%), hot rolled bars (up 18%), wire drawn (up 14%) and standard pipe (up 13%). A product with a significant year-to-date (YTD) increase vs. the same period in 2019 was mechanical tubing (up 16%).

Click here for the full statistical report.

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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).