Iron and steel scrap
U.S. supply, trade and import sources, 2021–2025
Where U.S. imports came from, 2021–24 (share of import quantity or value as reported)
- Canada 71%
- Mexico 15%
- Netherlands 4%
- Sweden 3%
- Other countries 7%
The United States was a net exporter of iron and steel scrap in 2025. Canada supplied 71% of U.S. imports of iron and steel scrap in 2021–24, more than any other country.
United States
supply, trade and import sources
Net exporter
Net import reliance in 2025, as a percentage of reported consumption. “E” marks years when the United States exported more than it imported.
2021E
2022E
2023E
2024E
2025E
| Item | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production: Home scrap | 6.6 | 7.3 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 7.0 |
| Production: Net receipts | 65 | 62 | 59 | 57 | 58 |
| Imports for consumption | 5.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 5.0 |
| Exports | 18 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 13 |
| Consumption: Reported | 59 | 56 | 55 | 55 | 57 |
| Consumption: Apparent | 58 | 57 | 55 | 55 | 57 |
| Stocks, consumer, yearend | 4.4 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Employment, foundries, number | 101,000 | 105,000 | 107,000 | 106,000 | 107,000 |
Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Iron and steel scrap chapter (PDF page 112). How to read these figures.