According to preliminary Census Bureau data released Wednesday, the US imported 2.1 million net tons (nt) of steel products in November, reflecting a 10 percent drop from October final data. Finished steel imports were 1.65 million nt in November, a 13 percent decline from the previous months. Year-to-date, finished steel import market share in November was an estimated 20 percent, and is 22 percent year-to-date.
Compared to October, plates in coils imports were up 15 percent in November and rebar imports rose 10 percent. Year-to-date import increases versus the same period last year include: cut length plates (up 61 percent); plates in coils (up 37 percent); line pipe (up 31 percent); hot rolled bar (up 28 percent); and oil country goods (up 22 percent).
Korea was the US' largest offshore steel supplier in November with 193,000 nt (down 10 percent from October), followed by Japan with 115,000 nt (down 6 percent); the Netherlands with 108,000 nt (up 84 percent); China with 82,000 nt (down 29 percent); and India with 66,000 nt (up 49 percent).