The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has released preliminary data based on the Census Bureau’s findings, indicating that the United States imported a total of 2.79 mln tons of steel in June 2023. Among this, 1.99 mln tons were finished steel, marking an increase of 20.3pct and 6.4pct, respectively, compared to May 2023.
However, when considering the year-to-date figures for 2023 in comparison to 2022, both total and finished steel imports show a decline of 10.7pct and 14.9pct, amounting to 15 mln tons and 11.45 mln tons, respectively.
For the month of June, the estimated market share of finished steel imports was approximately 23pct, and this figure remains consistent for the first six months of 2023.
Notably, certain key steel products saw significant increases in imports in June when compared to May. Reinforcing bars surged by 172pct, ingots and billets and slabs by 79pct, heavy structural shapes by 63pct, hot-rolled sheets by 45pct, and line pipe by 34pct. Over the 12-month period from July 2022 to June 2023, line pipe, oil country goods, cut lengths plates, and standard pipe experienced notable increases in imports, rising by 36pct, 31pct, 10pct, and 10pct respectively, compared to the previous 12-month period.
In terms of suppliers, Canada remained the largest contributor with 628,000 tons, maintaining the same volume as in May. Brazil followed with 419,000 tons, up by 75pct. Mexico supplied 417,000 tons, indicating a 48pct increase, while South Korea provided 375,000 tons, marking a significant rise of 71pct. Notably, China’s contribution increased drastically to 114,000 tons, surging by 149pct.
