U.S. Steel Beam Final Imports: Beam final imports came in at 5,797 tons for March 2020, down 595% m/m. This significant decline is likely due to COVID-19. These include: Angles, Shapes and H Sections, Angles, Shapes and I Sections, Angles H Sections Iron and Non-Alloy Steel Hot-rolled, and Other H Sections.

Figure 1 further breaks down total final beam imports from January 2019 – March 2020. When comparing year to date figures, it shows that beam imports peaked in May 2019 with 57,934 tons of imports reported.

Figure 2 also charts the largest exporting countries to the US through March 2020. Mexico was the largest exporter of beams with 2,860 tons in March 2020; Canada was the second-largest exporter with 2,017 tons. Luxembourg was the third-largest beams exporter to the US with 649 tons, down significantly from last month’s 10,855 tons. Together these three exporters accounted for 95% of the total.

Figure 3 also charts the largest imports by district of entry to the US through March 2020. Laredo, TX port was the largest receiver of beams in March 2020, receiving 2,408 tons of the total 5,797. Pembina, ND port was the second-largest receiver coming in at 1,956 tons. San Diego, CA was the third-largest receiver coming in at 271 tons. Together, these top three receiving ports collected 80% of all U.S. beam imports.

At Gerdau we closely follow trade in long products steel since it has a profound impact on domestic market share and material pricing. We want you, our valued customers to have access to current information that can help you better plan and operate your businesses.