Select Salient U.S. Pig Iron And Direct-Reduced Iron (Dri) Statistics

This table presents key statistics on the production, consumption, receipts, shipments, and year-end stocks of pig iron and direct-reduced iron (DRI) within the United States steel industry. These materials are fundamental inputs in steelmaking, serving as primary sources of iron for steel mills, foundries, and other industrial users. Tracking these metrics provides valuable insight into the supply chain dynamics, industrial demand, and inventory levels, which are critical for understanding the health and trends of the domestic steel sector and its broader economic implications, including manufacturing output and infrastructure development.

According to the data, total pig iron receipts amounted to 4.33 million metric tons, while production reached 22.5 million metric tons, underscoring the significant role of domestic pig iron production in meeting industry needs. Consumption of pig iron was reported at 26.8 million metric tons, with year-end stocks standing at 410,000 metric tons, indicating a relatively stable inventory position. For DRI, receipts totaled 2.89 million metric tons, with consumption at 8.37 million metric tons and year-end stocks at 294,000 metric tons. Notably, production data for DRI was withheld, reflecting proprietary concerns. The primary steel mills dominate pig iron consumption at 26.1 million metric tons, while DRI consumption is also concentrated there at 8.35 million metric tons. Shipments of pig iron and DRI are minimal compared to consumption, suggesting most production is retained within the domestic industry. These figures highlight the continued reliance on pig iron and DRI as essential feedstocks in U.S. steelmaking processes.