August Apparent Steel Supply Climbs to 2.5-Year High

August apparent steel supply increased by 130,000 tons over July to 9.83 million net tons, according to the latest U.S. Department of Commerce and American Iron and Steel Institute data. This is the highest supply level seen since January 2019, a 31-month record. August supply is up 2.69 million tons compared to the same month one year ago.

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.

Brett Linton

Latest in Prices

Nucor aims for a $60/ton bump on plate prices, opens November orderbook

SMU Price Ranges: Sheet, plate tick higher as supply squeeze poised to drag into Q4

Nucor increases spot HR to $1,220/ton

US sheet buyers grapple with mill delays as supply pressure spreads

AMU Survey: Aluminum scrap outlook turns toward oversupply