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

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of various classes of iron and steel scrap imported into the United States for consumption. It categorizes imports by specific types of ferrous waste and scrap, as well as feedstock products, providing insight into the volume and economic significance of these materials in the U.S. steel recycling and manufacturing sectors. This information is crucial for understanding supply chain dynamics, assessing market demand, and guiding policy decisions related to resource management and industrial competitiveness.

Analyzing the data from 2022 to 2023 reveals several notable trends. Total scrap imports increased from 4.74 million metric tons valued at $2.46 billion in 2022 to 5.13 million metric tons valued at $2.23 billion in 2023, indicating a rise in quantity but a decrease in overall value, suggesting lower prices or shifts in scrap quality. Among scrap classes, "Other alloy steel" imports grew significantly by 21% in quantity, from 643 thousand to 779 thousand metric tons, with a corresponding value increase to $305 million. Similarly, "Shredded steel" imports rose from 757 thousand to 974 thousand metric tons, with value climbing to $418 million. Conversely, imports of "Stainless steel" scrap declined by 14% in quantity and 38% in value, from 240 thousand metric tons and $387 million to 207 thousand metric tons and $240 million, respectively. Feedstock imports showed a decrease in total quantity from 89,700 to 80,900 metric tons and a substantial drop in value from $4.69 billion to $3.37 billion, with "Direct-reduced iron" imports falling from 3.41 million to 3.06 million metric tons and value dropping by nearly 28%. These shifts reflect changing market conditions, pricing, and possibly supply chain adjustments in the U.S. iron and steel industry.