Steel Products Prices North America

Final August Steel Imports Slip to 2.8 Million, September Licenses at 2.9 Million

October 5, 2021

Final Census data shows that August foreign steel imports declined 10% from July’s 18-month high to 2.78 million tons. September import licenses are currently at 2.86 million tons as of Oct. 4, up 3% from August but down 7% compared to July.

Total finished imports for August were finalized at 2.18 million tons, the highest level seen since January 2019 (31 months) when they reached 2.46 million tons. Finished steel import licenses for September are currently a 2.15 million tons.

Due to large month-to-month swings in semifinished imports, the chart below shows total monthly imports on a three-month moving average (3MMA) basis in an attempt to more accurately display U.S. steel import trends. The 3MMA through final August data is 2.93 million tons, up from 2.85 million tons in July and up from 2.70 million tons in June. August marks the highest 3MMA import level seen since June 2018 when it was 3.06 million tons. The lowest 3MMA level in our recent history was October 2020 at 1.36 million tons. Looking at September license data, the September 3MMA is currently a 2.72 million tons.

The table below displays flat rolled product imports as well as other high-volume products, including rebar, tin plate, wire rod, structural pipe and tube, and other long products. We also provide data on categorized imports divided into semifinished, finished, flat rolled, longs, pipe and tube, and stainless products.

An interactive history of our steel imports data is available here on our website. If you need assistance logging in to or navigating the website, please contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

By Brett Linton, Brett@SteelMarketUpdate.com

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior 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.