US finished steel imports record massive decline

The latest report released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) shows a significant decline in total and final steel imports into the country during the first four months of this year.

The United States imported 11.489 million tonnes of steel in January-April 2019, of which 8.067 million net tonnes was finished steel. Imports of general and finished steel decreased by 7.8% and 17%, respectively, compared to 2018. Total imports of finished steel amounted to 12.455 million net tonnes and 9.714 million net tonnes respectively in January-April 1818.

In April 19 alone, the United States imported 3.304 million tonnes net, including 2.011 million tonnes of finished steel. Imports of general and finished steel increased by almost 46% and 8%, respectively, compared with the final data for March 19. The market share of finished steel imports in April this year was 21%.

Finished steel products, which significantly increased their imports in April 19 compared to the previous month, were wire rods, cut to length sheets and sheets and hot-dip galvanized strip. Wire rod imports skyrocketed 108%, while cut-length sheet imports rose 50%. AISI press release reported a 29% jump in hot-dip galvanized sheets and strips.

Meanwhile, products with a significant increase in imports during the initial four-month period of the year include wire rod (up 19%) and pipes (up 18%).

Based on the current trend, total annual and final steel imports are likely to reach 34.5 million tonnes in 2019.