U.S. Steel Merchant Final Imports: Final merchant imports to the U.S. came in at 43,495 tons in January 2022, increasing 4.6% month over month (m/m).

Figure 1 further breaks down total merchant imports from January 2019 – January 2022.

Figure 2 charts the largest exporting countries in rank order through January. Mexico and Canada, combined, account for 87.5% of the total this month. Mexico was the largest exporter to the U.S. with 19,349 tons; Canadian imports came in at 18,718 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 12,479 tons of the total. Detroit, MI was next, coming in at 11,753 tons, while El Paso, TX was the third-largest receiver, coming in at 5,826 tons. Together, these top three receiving ports collected 69% 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.