Steel Imports Dip to 2.89 Million Tons in December, January Licenses Over 3 Million

Final Census data shows U.S. steel imports fell 8% from November to December to 2.89 million net tons, the fifth highest monthly level in 2021. January import licenses through Feb. 7 are currently at 3.04 million tons, a 5% jump from December, but down 4% compared to November. Recall that total imports in September had reached a 28-month record-high of 3.26 million tons.

The average for 2021 steel imports is now 2.72 million tons per month, up 48% from the 2020 average of 1.84 million tons per month and up 17% from the 2019 average of 2.32 million tons per month. The last year with a monthly average exceeding the 2021 rate was 2018 at 2.81 tons per month.

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.