Steel Imports Down 21% Year-to-Date Through February 2020

March 24, 2020

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 1,505,000 net tons (NT) of steel in February 2020, including 1,344,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 52.2% and 18.4%, respectively, vs. January final data). Through the first two months of 2020, total and finished steel imports are 4,655,000 and 2,992,000 net tons (NT), down 21.3% and 28.7%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2019. Annualized total and finished steel imports in 2020 would be 27.9 and 18.0 million NT, unchanged and down 14.7%, respectively, vs. 2019. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 15% in February and is estimated at 16% over the first two months of 2020.

Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in February compared to January are heavy structural shapes (up 57%) and tin plate (up 15%). A product with a significant year-to-date (YTD) increase vs. the same period in 2019 was mechanical tubing (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).