September Steel Imports Fall to 18-Month Low in Preliminary Count

Preliminary US Census Bureau data indicates that steel imports totaled 2.24 million net tons in the month of September. This is down 11% from the prior month, and is potentially the lowest monthly rate seen since February 2021. Recall that monthly import levels also declined 6% from July to August and 6% from June to July. September figures are now down 28% compared to March’s 26-month high of 3.09 million tons.

Broken down by product category, preliminary finished steel imports in September were down 11% compared to August. Semi-finished product imports also declined 11% month-over-month (MoM). Imports of both flat rolled and long products fell 18% and stainless imports declined 15%. The only category to increase was pipe and tube, rising 14% MoM.

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

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