Steel Products Prices North America
October 27, 2021
Steel Imports Jump by 35% Through September
Written by Tim Triplett
Steel imports into the United States jumped by nearly 35% in the first nine months of this year, versus the same period in 2020, according to Census Bureau data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Tight supplies and record-high domestic steel prices have attracted a host of imports, which are reportedly some $400-800 per ton cheaper, depending on the product and country of origin.
Steel imports through September totaled 23.8 million net tons, including 16.7 million tons of finished steel, both up 34.9% over a market last year that struggled with disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Finished steel imports have captured an estimated 21% share of the U.S. market so far this year. Total imports include slabs and billets purchased by U.S. mills.
