The US Census Bureau of the US Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that preliminary steel imports into the US were $2.6 billion in April, totaling 2.3 million metric tons (mt), reflecting an increase of $0.1 billion and 0.1 million mt over preliminary steel imports in March.
The most significant increases in tonnage volumes in April were of line pipe greater than 16 inches in diameter as well an influx of hot dipped galvanized sheet and strip. Declines were mostly evident in oil country goods and cold rolled sheets. Decreases in imports occurred primarily with the US' NAFTA trading partner, Mexico, while gains were seen in trade with Australia and Korea.