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    March 18, 2026

    Apparent steel supply inched up in January

    Written by Brett Linton

    The volume of finished steel that entered the US market increased 1% from December to January, according to SMU’s analysis of recently released US Department of Commerce and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) data. Although up month over month (m/m), January supply remains on the low side compared to recent years, just 8% higher than the near five-year low set two months prior.

    This apparent steel supply measure is calculated by combining domestic mill shipments and finished US steel imports, then subtracting total US 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.

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