Steel Imports Unchanged In October vs. September

November 27, 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 2,182,000 net tons (NT) of steel in October 2023, including 1,837,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 0.3% and up 16.2%, respectively, vs. September 2023). Total and finished steel imports are down 9.8% and 14.2%, respectively, year-to-date vs. 2022. Over the 12-month period from November 2022 to October 2023, total and finished steel imports are down 12.9% and 15.4%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 19% in October and is estimated at 22% over the first ten months of 2023.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in October compared to September are tin plate (up 124%), wire rods (up 81%), heavy structural shapes (up 76%), hot rolled bars (up 45%) and reinforcing bars (up 45%). Products with a significant increase in imports over the 12-month period from November 2022 to October 2023 compared to the previous 12-month period include cut lengths plates (up 18%) and oil country goods (up 13%).

In October, the largest suppliers were Canada (557,000 NT, up 4% vs. September), Mexico (309,000 NT, down 14%), South Korea (167,000 NT, down 50%), Japan (134,000 NT, up 102%) and Germany (125,000 NT, up 164%). Over the 12-month period November 2022 to October 2023, the largest suppliers were Canada (6,861,000 NT, down 1% compared to the previous 12-months), Mexico (4,311,000 NT, down 24%), Brazil (3,421,000 NT, up 23%), South Korea (2,600,000 NT, down 11%) and Japan (1,247,000 NT, down 2%). 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.