Steel Imports Down 7.5% Year-to-Date Through February

March 25, 2021

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 1,888,000 net tons (NT) of steel in February 2021, including 1,424,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 22.0% and up 15.0%, respectively, vs. January final data). Through the first two months of 2021, total and finished steel imports are 4,310,000 and 2,662,000 net tons (NT), down 7.5% and 11.1%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2020. Annualized total and finished steel imports in 2021 would be 25.9 and 16.0 million NT, up 17.4% and down 1.0%, respectively, vs. 2020. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 18% in February and is estimated at 17% over the first two months of 2021.

Key finished steel products with a significant increase in imports in February compared to January are tin plate (up 158%), cold rolled sheets (up 69%), hot rolled sheets (up 63%), line pipe (up 38%), mechanical tubing (up 19%) and wire rods (up 17%). A product with a significant year-to-date (YTD) increase vs. the same period in 2020 was structural pipe and tubing (up 13%).

Click here for the full statistical report.

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Contact: Lisa Harrison
202.452.7115 / lharrison@steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the 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 arc 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).