U.S. Imports Of Iron Ore, By Customs District

This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of iron ore imported into the United States, broken down by customs district for the years 2022 and 2023. Tracking these imports by location is crucial for understanding regional trade flows and the distribution of raw materials essential to the steel manufacturing industry. Iron ore is a fundamental input for steel production, which underpins construction, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, making these import patterns significant indicators of industrial demand and economic activity.

Analysis of the data reveals that total iron ore imports increased from 3.03 million metric tons in 2022 to 3.54 million metric tons in 2023, marking a notable rise in quantity. However, the total value of imports decreased from $613 million to $564 million, suggesting a decline in average prices or changes in ore quality. The New Orleans customs district remains the dominant entry point, accounting for over 3.26 million metric tons in 2023, though its value dropped from $590 million to $529 million. Houston-Galveston also saw a significant increase in quantity, nearly doubling from 77 thousand to 148 thousand metric tons, with value rising correspondingly from $12.9 million to $24.2 million. Other districts such as Columbia-Snake, OR, and Los Angeles, CA, experienced moderate increases in both quantity and value, while Baltimore and Charleston reported declines in import quantities and values. These shifts highlight evolving trade dynamics and regional import preferences within the U.S. iron ore market.