Steel Imports Up 32% in March vs. February

April 25, 2022

Finished Import Market Share YTD at 24%

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 3,091,000 net tons (NT) of steel in March 2022, including 2,498,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 31.6% and 35.8%, respectively, vs. February 2022). Through the first three months of 2022, total and finished steel imports are up 28% and 48.3%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2021. Over the 12-month period from April 2021 to March 2022, total and finished steel imports are up 49.9% and 54.9%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 26% in March and is estimated at 24% over the first three months of 2022.

Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in March compared to February are standard pipe (89%), hot rolled sheets (up 69%), wire rods (up 67%), plates in coils (up 54%), and sheet and strip hot dipped galvanized (up 36%). Products with a significant increase in imports over the 12-month period April 2021 to March 2022 compared to the previous 12-month period include oil country goods (up 113%), wire rods (up 101%), hot rolled sheets (up 91%), plates in coils (up 89%) and sheets and strip all other metallic coated (up 76%).

In March, the largest suppliers were Canada (651,000 NT, up 39% vs. February), Mexico (542,000 NT, up 21%), Brazil (347,000 NT, up 31%), South Korea (321,000 NT, up 48%) and Vietnam (167,000 NT, up 133%). Over the 12-month period April 2021 to March 2022, the largest suppliers were Canada (6,943,000 NT, up 30% vs. compared to the previous 12-months), Mexico (5,356,000 NT, up 60%), Brazil (4,104,000 NT, up 3%), South Korea (2,844,000 NT, up 37%) and Russia (1,602,000 NT, up 237%).  Below are charts on steel imports by country and estimated finished steel import market share in recent months.

Click here to view the full statistical report. 

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’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, LinkedIn, Twitter (@AISISteel) or Instagram.

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