US scrap metal imports hit record high in 5 years

The United States imported 1.15 million tonnes of scrap steel in the first quarter of this year, a record in 5 years, according to the US Department of Commerce. Scrap metal imports increased mainly from Canada and Mexico, as well as from the European region.

In the first quarter of this year, US scrap imports totaled 748,000 tons from Canada, an increase of 16% over the same period last year; imports from the UK totaled 195,000 tons, the highest level in 10 years; imports from Mexico amounted to 84,000 tons; imports from Sweden amounted to 75,000 tons.