The global steel market remains one of the most dynamic sectors in international trade, and the United States continues to play a vital role—not just as an importer but as a major exporter of steel. In 2024, the U.S. exported steel worth $19.59 billion, reinforcing its status as one of the leading global steel exporters despite experiencing a 4% year-over-year decline.
This article examines the recent trends, top destination countries, and key trade factors shaping the landscape of US Steel Exports by Country, based on official U.S. export data and global trade insights.
The Current State of U.S. Steel Exports
Steel is a foundational material for global infrastructure, construction, automotive, and energy sectors. While the United States remains a net importer of steel, its export value demonstrates the country’s ability to produce high-quality and value-added steel products for international markets.
In 2024, U.S. steel exports amounted to:
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$19.59 billion in total value
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8.9 million metric tons in volume
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With $4.25 billion exported in the first quarter of 2025
These numbers position the U.S. as the 7th-largest steel exporter in the world, contributing approximately 2% of global steel exports.
Top 10 Destination Countries for U.S. Steel (2024–25)
U.S. steel exports are widely distributed across key trading partners in North America, Asia, and Europe. The following are the top countries that imported steel from the U.S. during 2024–25:
| Rank | Country | Export Value ($) | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexico | $7.05 billion | 36% |
| 2 | Canada | $4.77 billion | 24.4% |
| 3 | Türkiye | $1.76 billion | 9% |
| 4 | India | $862.26 million | 4.4% |
| 5 | Bangladesh | $658.29 million | 3.4% |
| 6 | Taiwan | $467.99 million | 2.4% |
| 7 | Thailand | $438.62 million | 2.2% |
| 8 | Pakistan | $405.68 million | 2.1% |
| 9 | China | $318.53 million | 1.6% |
| 10 | Italy | $259.32 million | 1.3% |
Together, Mexico and Canada account for over 60% of total U.S. steel exports, largely due to long-standing trade agreements and integrated supply chains under the USMCA.
Historical Export Data: U.S. Steel Exports Over the Last Decade
Here’s a snapshot of U.S. steel export values over the past 10 years:
| Year | Export Value ($ Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 18.56 |
| 2015 | 14.54 |
| 2016 | 12.87 |
| 2017 | 16.10 |
| 2018 | 16.48 |
| 2019 | 14.34 |
| 2020 | 12.29 |
| 2021 | 18.67 |
| 2022 | 20.89 |
| 2023 | 20.46 |
| 2024 | 19.59 |
Despite some yearly fluctuations, U.S. steel exports have remained relatively strong, especially during periods of high global infrastructure spending and industrial growth.
Export Trends Through Early 2025
By May 2025, U.S. steel exports showed steady movement toward North American partners:
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Exports to Mexico increased by 3.1% from April to May 2025.
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Canadian demand also rose as manufacturers restocked inventories.
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Total Q1 exports reached $4.25 billion, showing resilience despite trade challenges.
Export volumes may be modest compared to imports, but the value-per-ton of U.S. steel exports remains high due to the quality and specialization of products such as coated sheets, structural alloys, and tubular goods.
Industry Pressures and Policy Environment
Several factors continue to impact U.S. steel export strategies:
1. Trade Tariffs
The reimplementation of Section 232 tariffs in early 2025 has created mixed results:
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Tariffs started at 25% in March and escalated to 50% in June 2025.
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Exporters now face higher costs, and retaliatory duties from trading partners could impact volumes in the coming quarters.
2. Capacity Constraints
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U.S. mills operated at ~74–75% capacity in early 2025.
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March 2025 steel output was down 1.7% YoY, which limits exportable surplus.
3. Export vs. Domestic Demand
Most U.S. steel is consumed domestically. However, exporting high-margin specialty steel allows manufacturers to remain competitive globally, especially in markets where quality standards are prioritized over price.
Key Drivers of U.S. Steel Exports
Several underlying factors continue to drive U.S. steel exports:
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Proximity to Trade Partners: Mexico and Canada benefit from reduced logistics costs and free-trade agreements.
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High-Quality Steel Products: U.S. producers focus on alloyed steel, precision sheets, and coated products.
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Infrastructure Demand in Emerging Markets: India, Turkey, and Bangladesh are investing heavily in roads, bridges, and power plants—driving steel imports.
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Diversification of Buyers: As reliance on one market becomes risky, exporters are exploring new opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
What’s Ahead: Export Outlook for Late 2025
As we move into the second half of 2025, several developments are worth monitoring:
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Tariff Talks: Whether the U.S. revises Section 232 tariffs or grants exemptions will shape trade with the EU and Canada.
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Shifts in Buyer Behavior: Countries facing higher U.S. steel prices may turn to alternative sources like Korea or China.
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Focus on Value-added Products: Exporters may increasingly target high-performance segments to offset volume declines.
Summary Table: U.S. Steel Export Snapshot (2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Steel Export Value | $19.59 billion |
| Volume Exported | ~8.9 million metric tons |
| Top Export Destinations | Mexico, Canada, Türkiye |
| Q1 2025 Export Value | $4.25 billion |
| Main Export Products | Flat-rolled, alloy, tubes |
| Tariff Rate (June 2025) | 50% |
| Export as Share of Output | ~10% |
Final Thoughts
The United States continues to make its mark in the international steel market, especially through regional partnerships and premium-quality steel products. As explored in the detailed analysis on US Steel Exports by Country, trade remains strong with North American neighbors, while growth markets like India and Turkey offer new expansion potential.
However, the future of U.S. steel exports depends on careful navigation of trade policy, production capabilities, and global demand. Exporters who can adapt to market conditions, focus on specialization, and diversify their buyer base are likely to thrive—even amid rising tariffs and global competition.
Explore More Data:
Want to see live data on U.S. steel shipments by country or product code? Visit USImportData.com to access verified trade data, export trends, and tailored reports.
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