February Apparent Steel Supply Slips 500,000 Tons

February apparent steel supply slipped 500,000 tons or 6.3% from the 10-month high seen in January, now at 7.51 million net tons, according to the latest U.S. Department of Commerce and American Iron and Steel Institute data. Although down from the month prior, February supply is at the third highest level seen in the last 10 months. Recall that April and May of 2020 were the two lowest levels seen in the last 10 years at 6.53 million tons and 6.60 million tons, respectively. February supply is down nearly 950,000 tons compared to the same month in 2020.

Apparent steel supply, a proxy for demand, is determined by combining domestic steel mill shipments and finished U.S. steel imports, then deducting total U.S. steel exports.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.