U.S. Exports Of Iron And Steel Scrap And Other Ferrous Products, By Grade

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of U.S. exports of iron and steel scrap along with other ferrous products, categorized by grade. This information is crucial for understanding the flow of raw materials and secondary feedstocks in the global steel industry, reflecting the demand for recyclable metals and influencing domestic scrap markets. The data also provide insights into the economic contributions of scrap exports to the U.S. economy, highlighting trends in industrial recycling, resource efficiency, and international trade relationships within the ferrous metals sector.

Analysis of the data reveals a notable decline in total scrap exports from 17.7 million metric tons valued at $7.67 billion in 2022 to 15.7 million metric tons valued at $6.77 billion in 2023. Cast iron scrap exports dropped sharply by more than half, from 967 thousand metric tons ($408 million) to 428 thousand metric tons ($174 million). Conversely, stainless steel scrap exports increased significantly, rising from 403 thousand metric tons ($384 million) to 511 thousand metric tons ($458 million). Among feedstock products, spongy ferrous products nearly doubled in quantity from 701 thousand metric tons to 1.32 million metric tons, with value increasing from $313 million to $497 million. While total feedstock exports slightly decreased in quantity from 40.5 million to 40.1 million metric tons, their total value rose substantially from $579 million to $744 million, indicating higher prices or a shift toward higher-value products. These shifts underscore changing market dynamics and demand patterns for different ferrous scrap grades and feedstock materials in global steelmaking.