The U.S. Census Bureau has reported preliminary data showing that U.S. imports of steel (including stainless) has hit 3 million metric tons (Mt), at a value of $2.7 billion, in October.
This total marks an increase from September, when the U.S. imported 2.0 million metric tons at a value of $2 billion. The increase in October imports came mostly in the form of blooms, billets and slabs. Imports of blooms, billets and slabs reached 1,154,364 tons in October, which was up from the September final of 359,265 tons, as well as the October 2017 final of 566,294 tons.
By country, import increases were seen from Brazil, with 849,767 tons in October, up from 104,722 tons in September, and 324,711 tons in October 2017. Total imports from Canada and Mexico also increased in October from the previous month, hitting 739,346 tons, up from the September final total of 638,543 tons.
Meanwhile, steel imports from the European Union hit 143,491 tons in October this year, according to the data, which is an increase from October 2017Â’s 138,657 tons.