Steel Imports Down 16 Percent Year-to-Date Through October

November 26, 2019

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 2,177,000 net tons (NT) of steel in October 2019, including 1,479,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 14.5% and down3.5%, respectively, vs. September final data). Through the first ten months of 2019, total and finished steel imports are 24,770,000 and 18,343,000 net tons (NT), down 15.9% and 17.0%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2018. Annualized total and finished steel imports in 2019 would be 29.7 and 22.0 million NT, down 11.9% and 14.3%, respectively, vs. 2018. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 17% in October and is estimated at 20% over the first ten months of 2019.

Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in October compared to September were wire rods (up 24%), plates in coils (up 13%), sheets and strip hot dipped galvanized (up 13%), mechanical tubing (up 13%) and heavy structural shapes (up 12%).

Click here for the full statistical report.

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Contact: Lisa Harrison
202.452.7115 / lharrison@www.steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric 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 or Twitter (@AISISteel).