U.S. Steel Merchant Final Imports: Final merchant imports to the U.S. came in at 44,908 tons in March 2021, increasing 55% m/m.

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

Figure 2 charts the largest exporting countries in rank order through March. Mexico and Canada, combined, account for 88% of the total this month. Mexico was the largest exporter with 27,375 tons; Canadian imports came in at 12,040 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 17,704 tons of the total. El Paso, TX was the second-largest receiver coming in at 9,203 tons, while Detroit, MI was the third-largest receiver coming in at 8,450 tons. Together, these top three receiving ports collected 79% 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.