U.S. Steel Merchant Final Imports: Final merchant imports to the U.S. came in at 38,482 tons in November 2022, decreasing 25% month over month (m/m).

Figure 1 further breaks down total merchant imports from January 2019 – November 2022. When looking at the current year, we see that imports reached their peak in August with 54,829 tons.

Figure 2 charts the largest exporting countries in rank order through November. Mexico and Canada, combined, account for 91% of the total this month. Canada was the largest exporter to the U.S. with 20,567 tons; Mexican imports came in at 14,927 tons.

Figure 3 also charts the largest imports by district of entry into the U.S. in rank order. Detroit, MI was the largest receiver of merchants this month, receiving 14,539 tons of the total. Laredo, TX was next, coming in at 11,566 tons, while Buffalo, NY was the third-largest receiver, coming in at 4,275 tons. Together, these top three receiving ports collected 79% 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.