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    Analysis

    January 24, 2023

    Preliminary Steel Imports Recover 11% From Recent Low

    Written by David Schollaert

    Preliminary Census data indicate that steel imports totaled 2.24 million net tons for the month of December. This is up 11% compared to November, a slight rebound month on month (MoM) after recording the lowest level since February 2021 the month prior. Import levels had been gradually falling since reaching a 26-month high in March 2022 of 3.09 million tons.

    Broken down by product category, semifinished product imports in December surged, according to preliminary data, up 37% MoM, while long product imports rose 8% over the same period. Imports of stainless steel products declined 16% MoM, finished steel imports rose 8%, and flat-rolled imports were up just 1%, respectively. Pipe and tube product imports also jumped MoM, up 22% vs. November.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

    Read more from David Schollaert

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