U.S. Steel Merchant Final Imports: Final merchant imports to the U.S. came in at 41,578 tons in December 2021, decreasing 15.5% month over month (m/m).

Figure 1 further breaks down total merchant imports from January 2019 – December 2021. When looking at the current year, we see that imports reached their peak in November with 49,200 tons.  

Figure 2 charts the largest exporting countries in rank order through December. Mexico and Canada, combined, account for 91% of the total this month. Mexico was the largest exporter to the U.S. with 20,021 tons; Canadian imports came in at 17,806 tons.

Figure 3 also charts the largest imports by district of entry into the U.S. in rank order. Laredo, TX was the largest receiver of merchants this month, receiving 14,335 tons of the total. Detroit, MI was next, coming in at 10,201 tons, while El Paso, TX was the third-largest receiver, coming in at 4,699 tons. Together, these top three receiving ports collected 70% of all U.S. merchant imports.

At Gerdau, we closely follow trade in long product 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.