Steel Imports Down 10.9% in September vs. August

October 26, 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 2,237,000 net tons (NT) of steel in September 2022, including 1,858,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 10.9% and 10.8%, respectively, vs. August 2022). Total and finished steel imports are up 4.4% and 22.5%, respectively, year-to-date vs. 2021. Over the 12-month period October 2021 to September 2022, total and finished steel imports are up 17.9% and 33.0%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 22% in September and is estimated at 24% over the first nine months of 2022.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in September compared to August are line pipe (up 63%) and standard pipe (up 19%). Products with a significant increase in imports over the 12-month period October 2021 to September 2022 compared to the previous 12-month period include oil country goods (up 70%), wire rods (up 63%), plates in coils (up 47%), line pipe (up 47%) and standard pipe (up 46%).

In September, the largest suppliers were Canada (539,000 NT, down 8% vs. August), Mexico (316,000 NT, down 35%), South Korea (305,000 NT, up 72%), Brazil (188,000 NT, up 7%) and Taiwan (102,000 NT, up 24%). Over the 12-month period October 2021 to September 2022, the largest suppliers were Canada (6,924,000 NT, up 5% vs. compared to the previous 12-months), Mexico (5,679,000 NT, up 40%), South Korea (2,915,000 NT, up 13%), Brazil (2,750,000 NT, down 30%) and Vietnam (1,266,000 NT, up 128%). Below are charts on steel imports by country and estimated finished steel import market share in recent months.

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’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.