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    Analysis

    February 7, 2025

    US steel imports inch up in December, surge in January

    Written by Brett Linton

    Following the one-year low recorded in November, steel imports rose by 3% in December to 2.14 million short tons (st), according to final US Commerce Department data. Although December marks the second-lowest monthly import rate of 2024, it is slightly higher than volumes seen one year prior.

    According to license data collected through Feb. 3, January import licenses total 2.92 million st (Figure 1, left). That potential 37% month-over-month (m/m) rebound means January could be the highest month for steel imports witnessed in nearly three years.

    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.

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