How Much Steel Does the US Export? US Steel Exports by Country

The United States continues to be a major player in the global steel market, exporting large quantities of steel to various countries around the world. With a booming steel industry and advancements in technology, the US has solidified its position as one of the top steel exporters globally. According to the US export data and steel export data of USA, the total value of US steel exports reached $19.59 billion in 2024, a 4% decline from the previous year. In 2024, the US steel trade deficit grew somewhat to 18.2 million metric tons, up 4.8% from 2023. As per the US steel export statistics, the US exported steel worth $4.25 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The USA is the 7th largest steel exporter in the world, as per the global trade data. Let's take a closer look at how much steel the US exports and which countries are the major recipients of US steel exports.  

The Key Players in US Steel Exports

The United States has a long history of steel production and export, with major steel-producing states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana leading the way. In recent years, the US has ramped up its steel production to meet the increasing demand both domestically and internationally. As a result, the US has become one of the top exporters of steel in the world.   

US Steel Exports by Country: Where Does the US Export Steel?

US steel exports by country play a significant role in the global market, positioning the US as a crucial steel exporter. The United States predominantly exports steel to countries such as Canada, Mexico, and China, among others, strengthening trade relationships and contributing to the nation's economy. These exports strategically impact the steel industry's dynamics, reflecting the US's position as a key player in the international steel market. The top 10 export destinations for US steel exports in 2024-25, as per the US steel export data and US shipment data, include:

1. Mexico: $7.05 billion (36%)

Mexico was the largest recipient of US steel exports in 2024-25, accounting for 36% of the total export value. This close neighbor and trading partner has a strong steel demand, making it a natural choice for US steel exports.   

2. Canada: $4.77 billion (24.4%)

Canada was the second-largest destination for US steel exports, with a total value of $4.77 billion. As a key trading partner of the United States, Canada has a well-established steel industry that relies on imports to meet its domestic demand.

3. Türkiye: $1.76 billion (9%)

Turkey, also known as Türkiye in Turkish, was the third-largest importer of US steel in 2024-25, with a total value of $1.76 billion. Turkey has a strong manufacturing sector that requires a significant amount of steel for construction and industrial purposes.

4. India: $862.26 million (4.4%)

India is another important market for US steel exports, with a total value of $862.26 million in 2024-25, as per the data on US steel exports to India. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, India has a growing demand for steel to support its infrastructure development and construction projects.

5. Bangladesh: $658.29 million (3.4%)

Bangladesh is a significant importer of US steel, with a total value of $658.29 million in 2024-25. The country's construction sector is booming, driving up demand for steel imports to support its infrastructure projects.

6. Taiwan: $467.99 million (2.4%)

Taiwan is a key market for US steel exports, with a total value of $467.99 million in 2024-25. The country's strong manufacturing base relies on steel imports to meet its production needs.

7. Thailand: $438.62 million (2.2%)

Thailand was another important destination for US steel exports, with a total value of $438.62 million in 2024-25. The country's growing economy and construction sector create a high demand for steel imports.

8. Pakistan: $405.68 million (2.1%)

This country is a significant importer of US steel, with a total value of $405.68 million in 2024-25. The country's infrastructure development and construction projects drive up the demand for steel imports. Tadema Adescrea Tisci

9. China: $318.53 million (1.6%)

Despite being a major steel producer itself, China still imports a considerable amount of steel from the United States, as per the data on US steel exports to China by HS code. In 2024-25, the total value of US steel exports to China was $318.53 million.

10. Italy: $259.32 million (1.3%)

Italy rounds out the top 10 destinations for US steel exports, with a total value of $259.32 million in 2024-25. The country's manufacturing sector relies on steel imports to support its production activities.

US Steel Exports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly US Steel Export Data

U.S. Steel Exports in 2024–25: Destination Breakdown

Export Scale & Value

• In 2024, the U.S. exported roughly $19.6 billion in iron and steel products worldwide. 

• According to World Steel Association Rankings, the U.S. was the 7th-largest steel exporter globally, shipping approximately 8.7 million tonnes in 2024. 

Leading Importers of U.S. Steel (2024)

Based on the latest US steel export data by country, the top destinations included:

• Mexico: $7.05B in steel imports from the U.S.

• Canada: $4.77B

• Turkey: $1.76B

• India: $862M

Together, these countries accounted for more than half of the U.S. steel export value.

US Steel Exports Trends Through May 2025

• May 2025 exports to Mexico reached approximately 335,000 metric tons, up 3.1% from April but down 1.7% year-over-year. Exports to Canada were also on the rise. 

• Overall, U.S. export volume showed modest growth in early 2025, particularly toward North American markets.

Demand, Trade Policy & Industry Context

• The U.S. remains a net steel importer, sending out about 8.7 Mt while importing significantly more (27 Mt annually), as per the US steel import data.  

• U.S. producers face structural constraints: domestic mills operate at 75 % capacity utilization (March 2025). Crude steel output for March hit 6.7 Mt—a 1.7 % decline vs. March 2024, as annual production fell 2.4 % to 79 Mt in 2024. 

• Steelmakers now operate under new pressures: Section 232 steel tariffs (25 – 50%), reintroduced across key partner nations from early 2025, combined with regional trade tensions, especially with Canada and Mexico, are shaping export strategies. 

How Much Steel Does the US Export—and to Whom?

Despite exporting nearly $20 billion, in volumetric terms, US steel exports remain small relative to domestic consumption and imports.

Key Drivers & Strategic Underpinnings

North American Integration

• USMCA rules continue to fuel trade with Mexico and Canada, both dominant destinations for U.S. steel, thanks to supply chains in automotive, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

Rising Volatility

• Tariffs escalated in early 2025, especially after June, when punitive duties surged to 50%, raising export pricing but also prompting buyers to pivot sourcing.

Production Bottlenecks & Market Tightness

• Domestic mills are constrained by outages and logistical issues, limiting exportable surplus even as export markets expand.

Selective Market Growth

• Beyond Canada/Mexico, markets like Turkey and India are growing in importance, although together they form a much smaller share compared to their primary neighbors.

Key Takeaways

1. The U.S. exported approximately 8.7 million tons of steel in 2024, valued at around $19.6 billion.

2. The largest export markets were Mexico and Canada, jointly accounting for over half of the export value.

3. Turkey and India stand out as notable secondary destinations, with export values in the $0.8–1.8B range.

4. Average export volumes remain modest compared with U.S. domestic usage and imports.

5. Trade and tariff policy shifts, along with constrained domestic capacity, will continue shaping U.S. steel export dynamics through late 2025.

Looking Ahead

• Monitoring Q3–Q4 2025 export flows will be essential to gauge how tariff escalation affects trading partners.

• Analysts should watch the evolving mix of specialty steel exports versus bulk volume shipments.

• Re-exports under FTAs, domestic mill behavior, and infrastructure spending in destination markets like India could reshape strategic export patterns.

Key Challenges & Constraints

1. Tariff volatility: U.S. policy swings in 2025 (25% to 50%) generate uncertainty for exporters and importers. 

2. Limited exportable surplus: domestic mills running at 74–75% capacity reduce the ability to export even when markets demand it. 

3. International retaliation: EU and Canada tariffs curtail opportunity for expansion beyond the USMCA zone. 

4. Global competition: Chinese steel continues to flood world markets cheaply, often routed through third countries like Vietnam before entering larger buyers such as the EU or the U.S. itself. 

Summary of US Steel Exports Data

US Steel Export Outlook: Beyond Mid‑2025

• Q3–Q4 2025 monitoring will reveal how sustained high tariffs reshape export patterns, will buyers shift sourcing or accept elevated U.S. prices?

• Specialty steel segments, including coated products, automotive-grade alloys, and tubes, could outperform bulk trends, especially in North American markets.

• Policy developments, such as potential exemptions, trade negotiations (with Canada/EU), or tariff modifications, will be critical for the export trajectory.

• Infrastructure and manufacturing demand internationally, particularly in India, Turkey, and ASEAN, may lift U.S. upstream supplier opportunities if competitive.

Final Thoughts on US Steel Exports in 2024-25

In terms of volume and value, the United States exported approximately 8.9 million metric tons of steel in 2024, valued at around $20 billion. While these exports represent only a fraction of global steel exports, they hold considerable strategic weight in North American supply chains. Mexico and Canada remain by far the largest destinations, supported by integration under USMCA, accounting for well over half of exports. Turkey and India appear as the most notable secondary markets, though their volumes remain modest.

However, trade policy turbulence, capacity constraints, and global competitive pressures, especially from China, pose ongoing challenges to expansion. With tariffs spiking to 50% in June 2025, retaliatory duties from the EU and Canada, and domestic production running below full capacity, the export outlook is cautious and highly dependent on policy shifts and global demand dynamics.

Conclusion and Final Words

As one of the top steel exporters in the world, the United States plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for steel. In 2024-25, the US is expected to export significant quantities of steel to various countries, including Canada, Mexico, China, and Japan. This robust steel export market not only benefits the US economy but also strengthens its relationships with key trading partners around the world.

We hope that you liked our data-driven and interactive blog on US steel exports data 2025. For more insights into the latest US import-export data or to search live data on US steel exports by country, visit USImportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to get a customized database report along with a verified list of the top US steel exporters.