Based on revised Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that the U.S. imported a total of 31,476,000 net tons (NT) of steel in 2021, including 22,770,000 NT of finished steel. These totals represent increases of 43.0% and 41.0% respectively, vs. 2020. Final Census Bureau data for December 2021 showed total steel imports at 2,885,000 NT, including 2,255,000 NT of finished steel (down 0.7% and 4.0%, respectively, vs. November revised data). Finished steel import market share was 24% in December and 21% for full year 2021.

 

Key steel products with a significant increase in 2021 vs. 2020 were hot rolled sheets (up 89%), plates in coils (up 75%), sheets and strip all other metallic coatings (up 69%), oil country goods (up 67%) and wire rods (up 62%). Products with a significant increase in imports in December over November were tin plate (up 51%), standard pipe (up 30%), line pipe (up 26%), mechanical tubing (up 21%) and ingots and billets and slabs (up 13%).

 

Note: this release incorporates revisions to data for June through November 2021 released by the U.S. Census Bureau in February 2022.

 

In 2021, the largest volumes of steel imports were from Canada (6,970,000 NT, up 34% vs. 2020), Mexico (4,760,000 NT, up 44%), Brazil (4,365,000 NT, up 8%), South Korea (2,748,000 NT, up 36%) and Russia (1,633,000 NT, up 280%). In December, the largest suppliers were Canada (559,000 NT, up 5% from November final), Mexico (553,000 NT, up 21%), Brazil (253,000 NT, up 70%), South Korea (242,000 NT, up 9%) and Vietnam (165,000 NT, down 9%). Below are charts on steel imports by country and estimated finished steel import market share in recent months. (AISI)