Based on reported import licenses, US long products imports increased 58% year-on-year from 178,000 short tons in December, 2020 to 280,000 tons in December, 2021. Licenses indicate that the increase was mainly due to higher wire rod imports from Mexico, India, Algeria, South Korea, and Egypt.
US long products imports for the full year 2021 were 50% higher than in 2020 with the highest volume increase coming from wire rod (+73%), followed by rebar (+33%), parallel flange sections (+47%), and light shapes (+75%).