Steel Imports Down 19% Year-to-Date Through May

June 23, 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 1,792,000 net tons (NT) of steel in May 2020, including 1,486,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 35.5% and up 13.2%, respectively, vs. April final data). Through the first five months of 2020, total and finished steel imports are 10,981,000 and 7,308,000 net tons (NT), down 19.2% and 26.7%, respectively, vs. the same period in 2019. Annualized total and finished steel imports in 2020 would be 26.4 and 17.5 million NT, down 5.7% and 16.7%, respectively, vs. 2019. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 23% in May and is estimated at 18% over the first five months of 2020.

Key finished steel products with a significant increase in imports in May compared to April are oil country goods (up 71%), standard pipe (up 44%), heavy structural shapes (up 37%), tin plate (up 31%), hot rolled bars (up 28%), sheets and strip all other metallic coatings (up 18%), mechanical tubing (up 17%) and line pipe (up 15%).

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).