U.S. Steel Merchant Final Imports: Final merchant imports to the U.S. came in at 38,000 tons in April 2021, decreasing 15% m/m.

Figure 1 further breaks down total merchant imports from January 2019 – April 2021. When looking at the current year, we see that imports reached their peak last month.

Figure 2 charts the largest exporting countries in rank order through April. Mexico and Canada, combined, account for 86% of the total this month. Mexico was the largest exporter with 19,150 tons; Canadian imports came in at 13,682 tons.

Figure 3 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 13,011 tons of the total. Detroit, MI was the second-largest receiver coming in at 9,092 tons, while El Paso, TX was the third-largest receiver coming in at 5,490 tons. Together, these top three receiving ports collected 73% of all U.S. merchant 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.