Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that the U.S. imported a total of 3,079,000 net tons (NT) of steel in January 2022, including 2,265,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 6.7% and 0.4%, respectively, vs. December 2021).  Total and finished steel imports are up 27.2% and 82.9%, respectively, vs. January 2021.  Over the 12-month period February 2021 to January 2022, total and finished steel imports are up 50.9% and 51.3%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 24% in January 2022.

 

Key finished steel products with a significant import increase in January compared to December are wire rods (up 30%), ingots and billets and slabs (up 29%), hot rolled bars (up 20%), heavy structural shapes (up 20%) and reinforcing bars (up 19%). Products with a significant increase in imports over the 12-month period February 2021 to January 2022 compared to the previous 12-month period include hot rolled sheets (up 104%), oil country goods (up 83%), plates in coils (up 83%), wire rods (up 81%) and sheets and strip all other metallic coated (up 80%). (AISI)