Steel Imports Down 2.6% In May vs. April

June 26, 2023

Finished Import Market Share YTD at 22%

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 2,318,000 net tons (NT) of steel in May 2023, including 1,869,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 2.6% and 3.3%, respectively, vs. April 2023). Total and finished steel imports are down 12.5% and 15.7%, respectively, year-to-date vs. 2022. Over the 12-month period June 2022 to May 2023, total and finished steel imports are down 13.5% and 9.7%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 21% in May and is estimated at 22% over the first five months of 2023.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in May compared to April are cold rolled sheets (up 63%), cut length plates (up 59%), sheet and strip hot dipped galvanized (up 30%), tin plate (up 22%) and hot rolled sheets (up 19%). Products with a significant increase in imports over the 12-month period June 2022 to May 2023 compared to the previous 12-month period include line pipe (up 36%), oil country goods (up 35%), heavy structural shapes (up 14%) and standard pipe (up 13%).

In May, the largest suppliers were Canada (628,000 NT, up 6% vs. April), Mexico (282,000 NT, down 20%), Brazil (239,000 NT, up 12%), South Korea (219,000 NT, up 30%) and Germany (103,000 NT, down 4%). Over the 12-month period June 2022 to May 2023, the largest suppliers were Canada (6,929,000 NT, down 1% compared to the previous 12-months), Mexico (4,777,000 NT, down 13%), Brazil (2,871,000 NT, down 18%), South Korea (2,574,000 NT, down 10%) and Japan (1,294,000 NT, up 11%). Below are charts on steel imports by country and estimated finished steel import market share in recent months.

Read the full statistical report here. 

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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.