Steel Imports Down 11.7% In April vs. March

May 24, 2022

Finished Import Market Share YTD at 25%

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 2,729,000 net tons (NT) of steel in April 2022, including 2,264,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 11.7% and 9.4%, respectively, vs. March 2022). Total and finished steel imports are up 21.0% and 45.1%, respectively, year-to-date vs. 2021. Over the 12-month period May 2021 to April 2022, total and finished steel imports are up 51.3% and 55.3%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 27% in April and is estimated at 25% over the first four months of 2022.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in April compared to March are tin plate (up 28.9%) and cut lengths plates (up 22.5%). Products with a significant increase in imports over the 12-month period May 2021 to April 2022 compared to the previous 12-month period include oil country goods (up 118%), wire rods (up 117%), plates in coils (up 81%), hot rolled sheets (up 78%) and cold rolled sheets (up 76%).

In April, the largest suppliers were Canada (613,000 NT, down 6% vs. March), Mexico (395,000 NT, down 27%), South Korea (250,000 NT, down 22%), Brazil (241,000 NT, down 31%) and Vietnam (121,000 NT, down 28%). Over the 12-month period May 2021 to April 2022, the largest suppliers were Canada (6,970,000 NT, up 25% vs. compared to the previous 12-months), Mexico (5,342,000 NT, up 58%), Brazil (3,690,000 NT, up 8%), South Korea (2,828,000 NT, up 30%) and Russia (1,637,000 NT, up 290%).  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.