U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Iron And Steel Scrap, By Customs District

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of iron and steel scrap imported into the United States, broken down by customs district for the years 2022 and 2023. This information is critical for understanding regional import patterns and the distribution of scrap metal, which is a key raw material for the steel manufacturing industry. Tracking these imports helps stakeholders gauge supply chain dynamics, assess economic activity related to metal recycling and steel production, and inform policy decisions affecting trade and industrial resource management.

Analysis of the data reveals that total imports increased from 4.74 million metric tons in 2022 to 5.13 million metric tons in 2023, indicating a growing demand for scrap metal. However, the total value of these imports decreased from approximately $2.46 billion to $2.23 billion, suggesting a decline in scrap prices or changes in the composition of imported materials. Notably, the Charleston, SC district saw a significant rise in quantity from 321 thousand metric tons to 436 thousand metric tons, accompanied by an increase in value to $182 million. Detroit, MI remained the largest importer by quantity, rising slightly from 2.06 million to 2.21 million metric tons, though its import value dropped from $1.1 billion to $1.01 billion. Other districts such as Duluth, MN and Laredo, TX also experienced increases in import quantities, while districts like Buffalo, NY and Seattle, WA saw declines in both quantity and value. These shifts highlight changing regional import trends and the evolving landscape of the U.S. iron and steel scrap market.