U.S. Consumption Of Iron And Steel Scrap, Pig Iron, And Direct-Reduced Iron (Dri) In 2023, By Type Of Furnace

This table presents detailed data on the quantities of iron and steel scrap, pig iron, and direct-reduced iron (DRI) consumed in the United States in 2023, categorized by the type of furnace used in steel production. This information is crucial for understanding the supply dynamics and material preferences within the U.S. steel industry, which directly impacts manufacturing costs, resource allocation, and the environmental footprint of steelmaking. Tracking consumption by furnace type helps stakeholders assess trends in production technology, raw material sourcing, and the overall health of the domestic steel sector.

In 2023, electric furnaces dominated scrap consumption with 47,000 thousand metric tons, significantly higher than other furnace types, underscoring the growing reliance on electric arc furnace technology for steel production. Pig iron consumption was highest in the basic oxygen process at 26,800 thousand metric tons, while electric furnaces also used 2,840 thousand metric tons of pig iron. DRI usage was primarily associated with electric furnaces as well, totaling 7,330 thousand metric tons, contributing to a total DRI consumption of 8,370 thousand metric tons across all furnace types. The blast furnace and basic oxygen process data for scrap and pig iron were withheld to protect proprietary information but are included in the total figures. Overall, the total scrap consumption reached 56,200 thousand metric tons, highlighting scrap's critical role as a raw material, while pig iron and DRI consumption reflect ongoing diversification in feedstock sources for steelmaking.