IRON AND STEEL—2002 39.1

1

References that include a section mark (§) are found in the Internet 

References Cited section.

IRON AND STEEL

By Michael D. Fenton

Domestic survey data and tables were prepared by Sirirat Harris, statistical assistant, and the world production tables were 

prepared by Linder Roberts (pig iron) and Ronald L. Hatch (steel), international data coordinators.

and Federal Government policy, the U.S. Geological Survey 

reported all data on iron and steel in metric units unless 

otherwise noted.

Environment

Steel mills receiving ferrous scrap have been exposed to 

radioactive materials without warning. Contaminated scrap is 

in the form of shielded radioactive sources, which are typically 

installed in measurement gauges used in manufacturing 

operations or in hospital equipment. Accidental meltings 

of radioactive scrap have cost an average of $12 million to 

$15 million. If a shielded radioactive source is disposed of 

improperly or sent for recycling as scrap metal, it may end 

up in a metal recycling facility and remelted with disastrous 

consequences. At least 26 accidental meltings of radioactive 

material have been reported in the United States since 1983 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2003§). The U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began funding the 

first national program to systematically address the problem 

of “orphan” radioactive sources. The program is designed to 

assist States in retrieving and disposing of radioactive sources 

that are found in nonnuclear facilities, particularly scrap yards, 

steel mills, and municipal waste disposal facilities in a proper 

manner. Disposal may include recycling, reuse, or disposal at 

permitted facilities. 

Mercury has been receiving increasing attention as a 

serious environmental pollutant because of its toxic and 

bioaccumulative properties. Bacteria in aquatic systems can 

convert mercury to methyl mercury, which can be concentrated 

up the aquatic food chain, thereby contaminating fish and 

endangering humans and wildlife that consume the fish. 

Mercury poisoning can cause central nervous system, kidney 

and liver damage and impaired child development in humans. 

According to the EPA, significant synthetic-mercury-emission 

sources include cement and lime kilns, coal and oil burning, 

copper smelting, garbage and hazardous waste incinerators, and 

petroleum refineries. Also, an estimated 15.6 metric tons per 

year (t/yr) of mercury is released from scrapped and recycled 

vehicles (Worden, 2001). The source of automotive mercury 

includes switches for convenience lighting, antilock braking 

systems, active ride control systems, high-intensity discharge 

headlamps, and background lighting in automotive displays. 

An estimated 200 metric tons of mercury are in more than 210 

million vehicles currently in use. Environmental groups are 

advocating “Design for Recycling,” which is the design of 

products in a way that will ensure safe and economical recycling 

of mercury, and phasing out all automotive uses of mercury as 

soon as possible (Clean Car Campaign, 2001§).

Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial 

and commercial sites, such as steel mills, where expansion or 

The recession that began in March 2001, following the longest 

economic expansion in U.S. history (exactly 10 years) ended 

in November 2001 (National Bureau of Economic Research, 

2003§1). The recession lasted 8 months, slightly less than the 

average for recessions since World War II. U.S. apparent steel 

consumption, an indicator of economic growth, remained at 107 

million metric tons (Mt) in 2002, the lowest amount since 1995, 

from a peak of 120 Mt in 2000. 

World and regional economic performance showed weakness 

similar to that of the United States. Growth in world and U.S. 

economic output in 2002 was projected by the International 

Monetary Fund (IMF) to be 3.0% and 2.4%, respectively 

(Interpress Service, 2003§). The World Bank expected 2002 

world economic output to increase by only 1.7% (News.com.au, 

2003§). The European Union’s (EU) economic growth was 

expected to decline to 1.1% in 2002 from 1.8% in 2001 

(Business, 2002§).

Since 1998, substantial overcapacity among world 

steelmakers outside of North America produced a flood of 

low-priced imports into the United States, to the detriment of 

domestic steelmakers. In March 2002, the U.S. steel industry 

received temporary relief under Section 201 of the 1974 

Trade Act—3 years of tariffs ranging up to 30% on certain 

steel imports. Relief from much of this import activity was 

expected to slow imports, increase steel prices, and allow the 

steel industry to restructure to become more competitive in 

world markets. Contrary to expectations, prices of hot-rolled 

and cold-rolled steel sheet peaked in midyear and began steady 

declines for the remainder of the year (Purchasing Magazine, 

unpub. data, 2003). Total relief from imports was nullified to 

some extent when the U.S. Department of Commerce exempted 

727 imported steel products from the tariff in June. These 

exemptions were justified because the products were not 

sufficiently available from U.S. producers and their exclusion 

would not undermine the effectiveness of the safeguard on steel 

products. Meanwhile, the U.S. International Trade Commission 

appeared to be no longer interested in the steel industry’s 

claims of injury by foreign producers by giving negative injury 

determinations in the four steel case votes held since March 

(Metals Watch, 2002§). By yearend, 2002 was the fourth 

highest steel import year in U.S. history.

Data regarding U.S. production of iron and steel and 

shipments of steel mill products were reported by the American 

Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). These data can be regarded 

as representing 100% of the raw steel producers in the United 

States. World production of iron and steel is reported by the 

International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) and by foreign 

Government agencies. Consistent with international usage 
39.2 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2002

redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental 

contamination that can add cost, time, or uncertainty to a 

redevelopment project (Envirotools, 2002§). There are from 

130,000 to 450,000 contaminated commercial and industrial 

sites in the United States, and the cost of cleaning them may be 

as high as $650 billion. In January, the Small Business Liability 

Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (H.R. 2869) became 

law (Public Law 107-118). H.R. 2869 incorporated S. 350, the 

“Brownfields Revitalization and Environmental Restoration Act 

of 2001,” and H.R. 1831, the “Small Business Liability Protection 

Act.” The law codified and expanded the EPA’s current 

brownfields program by authorizing funding for assessment and 

cleanup of brownfields properties. It exempted from Superfund 

liability contiguous property owners, and prospective purchasers 

and clarified appropriate inquiry for innocent landowners. Also, 

it authorized funding for State response programs and limited 

EPA’s Superfund enforcement authority at sites cleaned up under 

a State response program. Certain household, small business, and 

nonprofit generators of municipal solid waste are exempted from 

liability for Superfund response costs at National Priority List 

sites. Settlements are expedited for certain persons based on a 

limited ability to pay contributors of hazardous substance.

Production

Production of raw steel in the United States increased to 91.6 

Mt from 90.1 Mt in 2001 (table 1). The AISI estimated raw 

steel production capability to be 103 Mt, down from 114 Mt in 

2001. Production represented 88.8% of estimated capability 

compared with 79.2% in 2001.

Integrated steel producers smelted iron ores to liquid iron 

in blast furnaces and used basic oxygen furnaces to refine this 

iron with some scrap to produce raw liquid steel. The basic 

oxygen process was used to make 45.5 Mt of steel (American 

Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, p. 74). The use of this process 

declined slightly to 49.6% of total steel production in 2002 

from 52.6% in 2001. The integrated steel industry in the United 

States consisted of 11 companies operating ironmaking and 

steelmaking facilities at 19 locations (Iron and Steelmaker, 

2002). Several of these companies also operated nonintegrated 

plants and/or other steelmaking facilities at the same locations.

Minimills and specialty mills are nonintegrated steel 

producers that use electric arc furnaces (EAF) to melt 

low-cost raw materials (usually scrap). They also employ 

continuous-casting machines and hot-rolling mills that are 

often closely coupled to the casting operation. Specialty mills 

include producers of stainless, alloy-electrical, and tool steel; 

high-temperature alloys; forged ingots; and other low-volume 

steel products. The nonintegrated sector of the industry, about 

72 companies operating about 107 steelmaking plants, used 

the EAF steelmaking process to produce 46.1 Mt of steel, 

an increase of about 8% compared with that of 2001, and 

accounted for 50.4% of total steelmaking (American Iron and 

Steel Institute, 2002, p. 74; Iron and Steelmaker, 2002).

Raw liquid steel is mostly cast into semifinished products in 

continuous casting machines. Only 2.7% of U.S. production 

was cast in ingot form and subsequently rolled into semifinished 

forms; this represented a decrease of less than 2% compared 

with that of 2001. Continuous casting production was 89.1 Mt, 

or 97.2% of total steel production, compared with 87.5 Mt, or 

97.2%, in 2001 (American Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, p. 75).

Consumption

Steel mill products are produced at a steel mill either by 

forging or rolling into forms normally delivered for fabrication 

or use. Some companies purchase semifinished steel mill 

products from other steel companies and use them to produce 

finished steel products. To avoid double counting steel mill 

product shipments under these circumstances, steel mills 

identify any shipments of steel mill products to other companies 

that are reporters of steel mill product shipments. The 

accumulated shipments of all companies less the shipments to 

other reporting companies are identified as net shipments.

The U.S. apparent supply of steel mill products was the 

same in 2001 and 2002—107 Mt. The 6-year trend of steadily 

increasing net shipments of steel products to satisfy domestic 

demand ended in 1998, resumed its upward course in 1999 

and 2000, and declined in 2001 to its lowest level since 1995 

(American Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, p. 27). Shipments of 

steel mill products by U.S. companies increased by 1.1% to 90.7 

Mt compared with those of 2001. Export shipments by AISI 

reporting companies decreased to 5.4 Mt from 5.6 Mt in 2001 

(American Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, p. 45). Shipments to 

domestic customers increased by 1.1% during 2001 (American 

Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, p. 30). Shipments of construction 

and contractors’ products, the largest single end-use market, 

decreased by 4.7%. Automotive product shipments were almost 

the same as in 2001. Oil and gas, mining, quarrying, and 

lumbering industries shipments decreased by 28%. Shipments 

of industrial and agricultural machinery, equipment, and tools 

decreased by more than 10%. Steel service center shipments, 

appliance shipments, and containers, packaging, and shipping 

material shipments decreased by nearly 15%.

Prices

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics 

producer price index for steel mill products was up by 3.5% to 

104.8 from 101.3 in 2001 (1982 base=100) (U.S. Department of 

Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2003§). The index was at a 

low of 98.3 during January and February and increased steadily 

to a high of 110.4 in October and November before declining to 

104.8 in December. 

Foreign Trade

Exports of steel mill products decreased to 5.4 Mt from 5.6 

Mt in 2001 (American Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, p. 46). 

Canada received the largest amount of U.S. exported steel, 3.4 

Mt, unchanged from that of 2001. Mexico was again in second 

place, receiving 1.4 Mt, the same as in 2001. Imports of steel 

mill products increased by 8.4% to 29.6 Mt from 27.3 Mt in 

2001 (American Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, p. 56). Brazil, 

Canada, the EU, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, 

and Turkey were major sources of steel mill product imports.

Imports of semifinished steel by steel companies must be 

taken into consideration in evaluating apparent consumption 
IRON AND STEEL—2002 39.3

(supply) of steel mill products in the United States and the share 

of the market represented by imported steel. To avoid double 

counting the imported semifinished steel and the products 

produced from it, the amount of semifinished steel consumed by 

companies that also produced raw steel must be subtracted from 

domestic consumption. Between 1993 and 2000, semifinished 

steel imports were estimated to range between 2.5 million metric 

tons per year (Mt/yr) and 7.8 Mt/yr. Imports were 5.8 Mt/yr 

and 8.0 Mt/yr in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Prior to 1993, 

the amount was less than 200,000 t/yr. Taking the imported 

semifinished steel into consideration, the share of the U.S. steel 

market represented by imported steel was an estimated 28% in 

2002 compared with 26% in 2001.

Regarding the reporting of imports and exports, “fabricated 

steel products” are produced from steel mill products, but do 

not include products that incorporate steel products with other 

materials. Examples of fabricated steel products are fabricated 

structural steel and steel fasteners. “Other iron and steel 

products” refers to products that are not produced from steel 

mill products. Examples of other iron and steel products include 

iron or steel castings and direct reduced iron (DRI).

World Review

World production of pig iron totaled about 604 Mt, 4.7% 

more than that of 2001 (table 10). In Asia, China continued 

to be the leading producer of pig iron in the world, producing 

almost 171 Mt, nearly 10% more than that of 2001. Japan and 

the United States followed with 81 Mt and 40 Mt, respectively. 

The Republic of Korea’s production increased slightly. Russia 

and Ukraine were the only major pig iron producers in the 

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Production in 

Russia had increased by 32% since 1998 and was the highest in 

the past 5 years. During 2002, Ukrainian production continued 

a rising 5-year trend. In North America, the only major 

producer of pig iron was the United States, where production 

decreased by nearly 5% from that of 2001. In South America, 

the only major pig iron producer was Brazil, producing nearly 

28 Mt. Germany was the top producer in the EU, producing 

about the same amount as in 2001. India’s production increased 

by 2.7% from that of 2001.

DRI production worldwide was about 38.8 Mt, a 1.3% 

decrease from that of 2001 and an 8.7% decrease from its peak 

production in 2000 (table 10). The leading technology was the 

Midrex process, followed by the HYL I and HYL III processes. 

During 2002, 10.2 Mt of capacity was idle compared with 3.8 

Mt in 2001. The leading producer of DRI was India, followed 

by, in descending order of tonnage, Iran, Mexico, and Venezuela 

(table 10). World capacity for DRI production was estimated 

to be nearly 48 Mt/yr (Midrex Direct Reduction Corp., 2002). 

Additional DRI capacity of 800,000 t was under construction in 

the Republic of Korea.

World production of raw steel exceeded 898 Mt, up from 847 

Mt (revised) produced during 2001 (table 11). As in previous 

years, production varied widely among major regions of the 

world. Asian countries produced about 44% of the world’s 

steel; the EU, 18%; and North America, 12%. During 2002, 

China was again the world’s leading steel producer, exceeding 

181 Mt, a gain of nearly 20% compared with that of 2001. In 

descending order, the leading producers behind China were 

Japan, the United States, Russia, the Republic of Korea, and 

Germany. These six countries accounted for 59% of world 

production. The combined steel production of the seven steelproducing countries in the CIS was more than 107 Mt, 2% 

greater than in 2001. Russia and Ukraine remained the top 

producers, continuing to increase production over the recent 

lows of 1998 (table 11).

Outlook

In late 2002, IISI offered a revised forecast downward for 2002 

and 2003 because of rapidly changing world economic conditions 

(International Iron and Steel Institute, 2002§). The global 

economic picture was described as so uncertain by the IISI that 

it considered it almost impossible to make predictions during the 

next 2 years with any degree of accuracy. Gross domestic product 

(GDP) growth was projected for 2002 and 2003 as 1.7% and 

2.9%, respectively. A key influence on these projections is the 

economic activity of China, in which GDP is estimated to rise in 

2002 and 2003 to 7.5% and 7.8%, respectively. The growth rate 

of the remainder of the world was projected for 2002 and 2003 as 

1.6% and 2.8%, respectively. The IMF predicted global economic 

growth to be 3.2% in 2003 and 4.1% in 2004 (Interpress Service, 

2003§). The World Bank predicted global economic growth to be 

2.3% in 2003 and 3.2% in 2004 (News.com.au, 2003§).

U.S. economists polled by the Philadelphia Federal Reserve 

Bank in November were reported to have changed their 

projected annualized real GDP growth in the United States for 

2003 to 2.6%, down from the previous estimate of 3% (Stundza, 

2002a§). But at yearend, the Boston Federal Research Bank 

projected that economic growth should reach 3.0% to 3.5% by 

the end of 2003 (Business Channel, 2003§). The IMF forecast 

U.S. economic growth to be 2.2% and 3.6% in 2003 and 2004, 

respectively (Interpress Service, 2003§). 

The IISI also revised projections downward of world 

consumption of finished steel products to 4.2% and 4.9% 

in 2002 and 2003, respectively (Stundza, 2002a§). China’s 

finished steel product consumption was projected to increase 

14.8% and 10.3% in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Steel 

consumption increases in the rest of the world were an estimated 

1.2% and 3.1% in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The North 

American Free Trade Association GDP growth forecast was 

2.5% and 3.5% for 2002 and 2003, respectively. 

After 18 months of decline, manufacturing grew for 7 months 

in 2002, but by yearend, the overall economy was barely 

growing (Stundza, 2002a§). J.P. Morgan Securities predicted 

that weak sales and volume numbers for some major metals 

processing and distribution firms should be exacerbated by 

the continuing weakness in U.S. manufacturing through 2003. 

Purchasing Magazine’s steel price forecast for hot-rolled, coldrolled, and galvanized sheet combined was 4% less than that 

estimated for 2002 (Stundza, 2002b§). Nevertheless, 2003 

may be a better year economically for the steelmaking industry 

than expected by many because of Section 201 tariffs, very low 

interest rates, continuing fiscal stimulus, strong productivity 

growth, low inflation, and very low business inventories. 
39.4 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2002

References Cited

American Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, Washington, DC, Annual statistical 

report 2002: American Iron and Steel Institute, 130 p.

Iron and Steelmaker, 2002, Iron and Steelmaker’s 2002 blast furnace roundup: 

Iron and Steelmaker, v. 29, no. 8, August, p. 86.

Midrex Midrex Direct Reduction Corp., 2002, World direct reduction statistics: 

Charlotte, NC, Midrex Direct Reduction Corp., p. 4.

Worden, Edward, 2001, ISRI seeks to keep mercury out of automobile 

shredders: American Metal Market, v. 109, no. 81, April 26, p. 11.

Internet References Cited

Business, 2002, Global growth to be slower in 2nd half and 2003—IMF, 

accessed July 28, 2003, at URL http://www.inq7.net/bus/2002/sep/26/text/

bus_6-1-p.htm.

Business Channel, 2003, U.S. to see moderate economic recovery in 2003—Fed 

official, accessed July 28, 2003, at URL http://www.arabia.com. 

Clean Car Campaign, 2001, Partnership for Mercury Free Vehicles, accessed 

July 10, 2003, at URL http://www.cleancarcampaign.org/partnership.shtml. 

Envirotools, 2002, Brownfields, Fact Sheet, accessed July 29, 2003, at URL 

http://www.envirotools.org/factsheets/brownfields.shtml.

International Iron and Steel Institute, 2002, Short term outlook for steel 

demand—Autumn 2002, accessed July 18, 2003, at URL 

http://www.federacciai.it/sito/comunicato_iisi.

Interpress Service, 2003, Slow, unsteady growth ahead for developing 

regions—IMF, accessed July 28, 2003, at URL http://aegis.com/news/ips/

2003/IPO30407.html.

Metals Watch, 2002, It’s safe to say the romance between the steel industry and 

the Bush administration is over, accessed October 1, 2002, at URL 

http://www.steelforge.com/infoservices/metalswatch/october_2000x.htm.

National Bureau of Economic Research, 2003, Business cycle dating committee, 

accessed July 17, 2003, at URL http://release.nber.org/July 2003.html.

News.com.au, 2003, Shock and awe delay growth, accessed July 28, 

2003, at URL http://www.finance.news.com.au/common/printpage/

0,6093,623015,00.html.

Stundza, T., 2002a, Metals watch, accessed July 14, 2003, at URL 

http://www.steelforge.com.

Stundza, T., 2002b, Spot prices continue to tumble, Purchasing Magazine, 

accessed on October 16, 2003, at URL http://www.manufacturing.net/pur/

index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA262279.

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2003, Steel mill 

products—WPU1017, Producer Price Index—Commodities, accessed August 

1, 2002, via URL http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/surveymost?.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2003, Orphan sources initiative, 

accessed July 11, 2003, at URL http://www.epa.gov/radiation/cleanmetals/

orphan.htm.

GENERAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

U.S. Geological Survey Publications

Iron. Ch. in United States Mineral Resources, Professional 

Paper 820, 1973.

Iron and Steel. Ch. in Metal Prices in the United States Through 

1998, 1999.

Iron and Steel. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, annual.

Iron and Steel Scrap. Ch. in Metal Prices in the United States 

Through 1998, 1999.

Iron and Steel Scrap. Mineral Industry Surveys, monthly.

Iron and Steel Slag. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, 

annual.

Iron and Steel Slag. Ch. in Minerals Yearbook, annual.

Iron Ore. Ch. in Mineral Commodity Summaries, annual.

Iron Ore. Ch. in Minerals Yearbook, annual.

Iron Ore. Mineral Industry Surveys, monthly.

Other

American Metal Market, daily.

Annual Statistical Report, American Iron and Steel Institute.

Direct from Midrex quarterly, Midrex Corporation.

Directory of Iron and Steel Plants, Association of Iron and Steel 

Engineers.

HYL, the Iron & Steel Technology Division of HYLSA, S.A. de 

C.V., report.

Iron and Steel. Ch. in Mineral Facts and Problems, U.S. Bureau 

of Mines Bulletin 675, 1985.

Iron and Steelmaker, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, 

and Petroleum Engineers—Iron and Steel Society.

Making, Shaping, and Treating of Steel, Association of Iron and 

Steel Engineers.

Metal Bulletin, biweekly.

Steel Manufacturers Association.

Steel Statistical Yearbook, International Iron and Steel Institute.

Steel Times International.
IRON AND STEEL—2002 39.5

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

United States:

Pig iron:

Production2 48,200 46,300 47,900 42,100 40,200

Exports3 87 82 72 44 34

Imports for consumption3 5,140 4,990 4,970 4,370 4,620

Direct-reduced iron:

Production4 1,600 1,670 1,560 1,200 470

Exports3 5 3 2 1 1

Imports for consumption3 939 950 1,090 1,650 2,010

Raw steel production:5

Carbon steel 88,000 87,600 92,500 82,400 83,700

Stainless steel 2,010 2,190 2,190 1,820 2,180

All other alloy steel 8,600 7,650 7,510 5,920 5,680

Total 98,600 97,400 102,000 90,100 91,600

Capability utilization, percent 86.8 83.8 86.1 79.2 88.8

Steel mill products:

Net shipments2 92,900 96,300 98,900 89,700 90,700

Exports3 5,010 4,920 5,920 5,570 5,450

Imports3 37,700 32,400 34,400 27,300 29,600

Producer price index for steel mill

products (1982=100.0)

6 113.8 105.3 108.4 101.3 104.8

World production:7

Pig iron 535,000 539,000 r 573,000 r 577,000 r 604,000

Direct-reduced iron4 37,200 38,200 42,500 r 39,300 r 38,800

Raw steel 770,000 r 784,000 r 845,000 r 847,000 r 898,000

TABLE 1

SALIENT IRON AND STEEL STATISTICS1

(Thousand metric tons)

r

Revised.

1

Data are rounded to three significant digits, except prices; may not add to totals shown. 2

Data are from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

7

Data are from the U.S. Geological Survey and the International Iron and Steel Institute.

3

Data are from the U.S. Census Bureau.

4

Data are from the Midrex Direct Reduction Corp., Government, and companies. 5

Raw steel is defined by AISI as steel in the first solid state after melting, suitable for rolling. 6

Data are from the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Material 2001 2002

Iron oxides:2

Ores 249 234

Pellets 55,200 48,400

Sinter3 9,090 8,870

Total 64,500 57,500

Scrap4 1,490 907

Coke2 17,100 15,800

Pig iron, produced 42,100 40,200

TABLE 2

MATERIALS CONSUMED IN BLAST FURNACES AND PIG IRON PRODUCED1

(Thousand metric tons)

also some nodules.

4

Mainly briquetted turnings and borings, shredded scrap, etc.; scrap produced at blast furnaces 

and remelt not included.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown. 2

American Iron and Steel Institute.

3

Includes sintered ore and pellet fines, dust, mill scale, and other revert iron-bearing materials; 
39.6 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2002

2001 2002 2001 2002

Shipments by steel type:

Carbon steel 83,700 84,400 93.30 93.10

Alloy steel 4,340 4,540 4.84 5.01

Stainless steel 1,670 1,720 1.86 1.89

Total 89,700 90,700 100.00 100.00

Steel mill products:

Ingots, blooms, billets and slabs 783 1,130 0.87 1.24

Wire rods 3,010 2,900 3.35 3.19

Structural shapes-heavy 5,840 5,600 6.51 6.18

Steel piling 398 450 0.44 0.50

Plates-cut lengths 4,790 4,540 5.34 5.01

Plates-in coils 3,190 3,340 3.55 3.68

Rails 454 541 0.51 0.60

Railroad accessories 132 176 0.15 0.19

Bars, hot-rolled 6,240 6,390 6.95 7.04

Bars, light-shaped 1,060 1,040 1.18 1.14

Bars, reinforcing 6,290 6,060 7.01 6.68

Bars, cold finished 1,300 1,310 1.45 1.44

Tool steel 28 24 0.03 0.03

Pipe and tubing-standard pipe 1,090 1,200 1.22 1.32

Pipe and tubing-oil country goods 1,600 1,200 1.78 1.33

Pipe and tubing-line pipe 1,190 992 1.33 1.09

Pipe and tubing-mechanical tubing 803 765 0.89 0.84

Pipe and tubing-pressure tubing 27 22 0.03 0.02

Pipe and tubing-stainless 19 17 0.02 0.02

Pipe and tubing-structural 113 127 0.13 0.14

Pipe for piling 32 37 0.04 0.04

Wire 615 656 0.69 0.72

Tin mill products-blackplate 190 258 0.21 0.28

Tin mill products-tinplate 2,010 2,100 2.24 2.32

Tin mill products-tin-free steel 621 639 0.69 0.70

Tin mill products-tin coated sheets 80 102 0.09 0.11

Sheets, hot-rolled 16,600 17,600 18.48 19.44

Sheets, cold-rolled 11,300 11,500 12.53 12.69

Sheets and strip, hot dip galvanized 13,000 13,600 14.44 14.97

Sheets and strip, electrogalvanized 2,730 2,330 3.04 2.56

Sheets and strip, other metallic coated 1,730 1,920 1.92 2.12

Sheets and strip, electrical 436 401 0.49 0.44

Strip, hot rolled 625 151 0.70 0.17

Strip, cold rolled 1,530 1,570 1.70 1.73

Total 89,700 90,700 100.00 100.00

Shipments by markets:

Service centers and distributors 24,600 24,900 27.36 27.47

Construction 19,500 18,600 21.77 20.54

Automotive 12,800 12,700 14.21 13.99

Machinery 1,320 1,270 1.47 1.40

Containers 2,930 2,940 3.27 3.24

All others 28,600 30,300 31.92 33.36

Total 89,700 90,700 100.00 100.00

TABLE 3

 DISTRIBUTION OF SHIPMENTS OF STEEL MILL PRODUCTS, BY STEEL TYPE, PRODUCT, AND MARKET1

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits, except percentages; may not add to totals shown.

Source: American Iron and Steel Institute.

(Thousand metric tons unless otherwise specified)

Quantity Percentage
IRON AND STEEL—2002 39.7

Country Imports Exports Imports Exports

Argentina 403 6 387 2

Australia 623 4 677 3

Brazil 2,820 19 3,550 15

Canada 4,230 3,410 5,240 3,420

China 691 39 750 34

European Union 5,520 175 4,820 173

Finland -- -- -- --

Japan 1,860 25 1,480 13

Korea, Republic of 2,020 13 1,680 7

Mexico 2,710 1,440 3,410 1,290

Russia 1,540 -- 1,650 --

South Africa 473 4 389 2

Sweden 190 2 170 1

Taiwan 518 11 345 11

Turkey 860 -- 1,240 --

Ukraine 461 -- 337 --

Venezuela 308 29 444 18

Other 2,060 390 3,090 455

Total 27,300 5,570 29,600 5,450

TABLE 4

U.S. IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF STEEL MILL PRODUCTS, BY COUNTRY1

(Thousand metric tons)

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

Source: American Iron and Steel Institute.

2001 2002

-- Zero.

2001 2002

Steel mill products:

Ingots, blooms, billets, slabs 127 102

Wire rods 41 60

Structural shapes, heavy 363 270

Steel piling 10 7

Plates, cut lengths 407 491

Plates, in coils 279 292

Rails, standard 66 60

Rails, other 6 17

Railroad accessories 14 10

Bars, hot-rolled 347 390

Bars, light-shaped 112 81

Bars, concrete reinforcing 114 153

Bars, cold-finished 101 93

Tool steel 24 22

Pipe and tubing, standard pipe 61 75

Pipe and tubing, oil country goods 217 177

Pipe and tubing, line pipe 169 240

Pipe and tubing, mechanical tubing 3 5

Pipe and tubing, stainless 35 26

Pipe and tubing, nonclassified 294 278

Pipe and tubing, structural 116 101

Pipe for piling 5 2

TABLE 5

U.S. EXPORTS OF IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS1

(Thousand metric tons)

See footnotes at end of table.
39.8 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2002

2001 2002

Steel mill products--Continued:

Wire 140 135

Tin mill products, blackplate 2 2

Tin mill products, tinplate 226 212

Tin mill products, tin-free steel 24 19

Sheets, hot-rolled 447 408

Sheets, cold-rolled 547 533

Sheets and strip, hot-dip galvanized 471 452

Sheets and strip, electrogalvanized 211 153

Sheets and strip, other metallic coated 161 138

Sheets and strip, electrical 82 80

Strip, hot-rolled 79 99

Strip, cold-rolled 270 268

Total 5,570 5,450

Fabricated steel products:

Structural shapes, fabricated 283 202

Rails, used 19 9

Railroad products 32 12

Wire rope 11 8

Wire, stranded products 36 37

Wire, other products 19 17

Springs 79 77

Nails and staples 28 27

Fasteners 286 306

Chains and parts 22 23

Grinding balls 17 17

Pipe and tube fittings 35 32

Other

2 56 106

Total 923 873

Grand total 6,500 6,320

Cast iron and steel products:

Cast steel pipe fittings 35 32

Cast iron pipe and fittings 64 95

Cast steel rolls 8 8

Cast grinding balls 22 31

Granules-shot and grit 23 21

Other castings 39 41

Total 191 228

ornamental work, and conduit.

Source: American Iron and Steel Institute.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown. 2

Includes shapes cold formed, sashes and frames, fence and sign post, and architectural and 

(Thousand metric tons)

U.S. EXPORTS OF IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS1

TABLE 5--Continued
IRON AND STEEL—2002 39.9

2001 2002

Steel mill products:

Ingots, blooms, billets, and slabs 5,840 8,020

Wire rods 2,730 3,170

Structural shapes-heavy 894 656

Steel piling 144 145

Plates-cut lengths 854 765

Plates-in coils 649 884

Rails and railroad accessories 215 218

Bars, hot-rolled 1,330 1,470

Bars, light-shaped 162 171

Bars, reinforcing 1,600 1,160

Bars, cold-finished 315 263

Tool steel 142 141

Pipe and tubing, standard pipe 1,040 989

Pipe and tubing, oil country goods 828 444

Pipe and tubing, line pipe 1,220 1,030

Pipe and tubing, mechanical tubing 451 488

Pipe and tubing, pressure tubing 72 94

Pipe and tubing, stainless 84 76

Pipe and tubing, nonclassified 25 21

Pipe and tubing, structural 408 351

Pipe for piling 19 14

Wire 623 697

Tin mill products-blackplate 134 90

Tin mill products-tinplate 343 254

Tin mill products-tin-free steel 147 105

Sheets, hot-rolled 2,190 3,520

Sheets, cold-rolled 2,790 1,730

Sheets and strip, hot-dip galvanized 1,340 1,920

Sheets and strip, electrogalvanized 159 166

Sheets and strip, other metallic coated 240 299

Sheets and strip, electrical 99 64

Strip, hot-rolled 55 89

Strip, cold-rolled 149 148

Total 27,300 29,600

Fabricated steel products:

Structural shapes, fabricated 729 710

Rails, used 175 195

Railroad products 79 78

Wire rope 103 100

Wire-stranded products 184 191

Springs 422 433

Nails and staples 541 681

Fasteners 954 1,080

Chains and parts 95 98

Pipe and tube fittings 177 151

Other 466 522

Total 3,930 4,240

Grand total 31,200 33,900

Cast iron and steel products:

Cast steel pipe fittings 177 151

Cast iron pipe and fittings 46 43

Other products 360 375

Total 583 569

TABLE 6

U.S. IMPORTS OF MAJOR IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS1

(Thousand metric tons)

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown.

Source: American Iron and Steel Institute.
39.10 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2002

 Product 2001 2002

Semifinished 279,000 265,000

Plate 47,000 60,200

Sheet and strip 43,200 45,800

Bars and shapes 95,800 84,000

Wire and wire rods 83,000 78,800

Pipe and tube 84,200 75,600

Total 632,000 609,000

TABLE 7

U.S. IMPORTS OF STAINLESS STEEL1

(Metric tons)

Source: American Iron and Steel Institute.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; 

may not add to totals shown.

2001 2002

Ductile iron castings 3,800 r 3,690

Gray iron castings 4,360 r 3,990

Malleable iron castings 122 115

Steel castings 706 599

Steel investment castings 69 r 60

Total 9,060 r 8,450

TABLE 8

U.S. SHIPMENTS OF IRON AND STEEL CASTINGS1

(Thousand metric tons)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

r

Revised.

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; 

may not add to totals shown.

2001 2002

Coal, consumption 23,700 20,400

Coke:3

Production 17,200 14,600

Exports 970 539

Imports 2,120 2,810

Consumption, apparent 18,400 17,200

TABLE 9

COAL AND COKE AT COKE PLANTS1, 2

(Thousand metric tons)

Source: Energy Information Administration, Quarterly Coal Report, 

DOE/EIA-0121(2001/4Q).

1

Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits.

2

Includes furnace and merchant coke plants.

3

Coke production and consumption do not include breeze.
IRON AND STEEL—2002 39.11

Country5 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002e

Albaniae 10 10 10 10 10

Algeriae 800 r 1,000 r 1,100 r 1,250 r 1,250

Argentina:

Pig iron 2,122 1,985 2,188 1,909 r 1,910 6

Direct-reduced iron 1,538 989 1,420 1,280 1,450 6

Australia 7,724 7,468 7,000 e 7,200 e 7,300

Austria 4,022 3,913 4,318 4,300 4,300

Belgium 8,730 8,472 8,472 7,732 r 8,053 6

Bosnia and Herzegovinae 100 100 100 100 100

Brazil:

Pig iron 25,111 r 25,060 r 27,723 r 27,441 r 27,781 6

Direct-reduced iron 336 400 418 400 e 400

Bulgaria 1,389 1,130 1,220 1,160 r 1,120

Burma:e

Pig iron 2 r 2 2 2 2

Direct-reduced iron 40 40 40 40 40

Canada:

Pig iron 8,937 8,783 8,900 r 878 r 8,800 p

Direct-reduced iron 1,240 920 920 r 920 r 920 p

Chile 993 1,030 1,065 r 897 r 964 6

China7 118,600 125,390 131,010 155,540 r 170,750 6

Colombia 256 264 272 319 r 309 6

Czech Republic 4,982 4,022 4,621 4,671 r 4,700

Egypt:

Pig irone 1,334 6 1,300 r 1,400 r 1,400 r 1,400

Direct-reduced iron 1,610 1,670 2,110 r 2,370 2,530

Finland 2,912 2,954 2,983 2,900 3,000

France 13,603 13,854 13,621 12,004 r 13,217 6

Germany:

Pig iron 30,162 27,931 30,846 29,184 r, 8 29,419 6

Direct-reduced iron 450 400 400 e 400 400

Hungary 1,258 1,309 1,340 1,226 r 1,306 6

India:

Pig iron 20,194 20,139 21,321 21,900 22,000

Direct-reduced iron 5,260 5,220 5,440 5,590 5,600

Indonesia, direct-reduced irone 1,640 1,740 1,820 1,480 1,500

Iran:

Pig iron 2,087 2,147 2,202 2,300 r 2,400

Direct-reduced iron 3,690 4,120 4,740 5,000 e 5,280

Italy 10,704 10,509 11,223 10,650 r 9,736 6

Japan 74,981 74,520 81,071 78,836 80,979 6

Kazakhstan 2,594 3,438 4,000 3,907 r 4,089 6

Korea, Northe 800 r 800 r 800 r 800 r 800

Korea, Republic of 23,229 23,329 24,937 25,898 26,500

Libya, direct-reduced iron 1,010 1,330 1,500 e 1,090 1,170

Malaysia, direct-reduced irone 1,000 1,000 1,260 1,300 1,400

Mexico:

Pig iron 4,532 4,808 4,856 4,500 e 4,000

Direct-reduced iron 5,584 6,070 5,589 4,500 e 4,000

Moroccoe 15 15 15 15 15

Netherlands8 5,561 5,320 4,969 5,305 r 5,381 6

New Zealand 609 620 600 e 600 e 600

Norwaye 70 60 60 60 60

Pakistane 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500

Paraguay 66 61 82 71 r 80 6

 TABLE 10

PIG IRON AND DIRECT-REDUCED IRON: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY1, 2, 3, 4

(Thousand metric tons)

See footnotes at end of table.
39.12 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2002

Country5 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002e

Peru:

Pig iron 283 r 250 r 327 r 330 r 330 p

Direct-reduced iron 110 50 80 80 e 80

Poland 6,128 6,128 6,492 5,440 r 5,500

Portugal 365 389 382 82 r --

Qatar, direct-reduced iron 706 670 620 730 750

Romania 4,541 2,969 3,069 3,085 r 3,100

Russia:

Pig iron 34,827 40,854 44,618 44,980 46,060 6

Direct-reduced iron 1,550 1,880 2,000 1,900 2,000

Saudi Arabia, direct-reduced iron 2,268 2,343 3,090 2,880 3,290

Serbia and Montenegro 826 135 563 461 485

Slovakia 2,756 2,987 3,167 r 3,255 r 3,100

South Africa:

Pig iron 5,650 4,587 6,300 5,800 5,800

Direct-reduced iron 1,070 1,260 1,530 1,560 1,700

Spain 4,278 4,146 4,059 4,094 r 3,978 6

Sweden 3,373 3,212 3,146 3,614 r 3,700

Switzerlande 100 100 100 100 100

Taiwan 9,374 9,020 9,971 r 10,316 r 10,524 6

Trinidad and Tobago, direct-reduced iron 1,073 1,379 1,530 r 2,186 r 2,186 6

Tunisia 123 178 196 192 r 152

Turkey 456 315 300 300 e 350

Ukraine 20,840 21,937 25,700 26,400 27,560 6

United Kingdom 12,574 12,399 10,891 9,861 r 8,579 6

United States:

Pig iron 48,200 46,300 47,900 42,100 40,200 6

Direct-reduced iron 1,600 1,700 r 1,600 120 r 470

Venezuela, direct-reduced iron 5,424 5,071 6,401 5,473 3,608 6

Zimbabwee 217 228 240 240 150

Grand total 572,000 578,000 616,000 r 616,000 r 642,000

Of which:

Pig iron 535,000 539,000 r 573,000 r 577,000 r 604,000

Direct-reduced iron 37,200 38,200 42,500 r 39,300 r 38,800

TABLE 10--Continued

PIG IRON AND DIRECT-REDUCED IRON: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY1, 2, 3, 4

3

Direct-reduced iron is obtained from ore by reduction of oxides to metal without melting. 4

Table excludes ferroalloy production except where otherwise noted. Table includes data available through August 10, 2003.

(Thousand metric tons)

e

Estimated. pPreliminary. rRevised. -- Zero.

8

Includes blast furnace ferroalloys.

5

In addition to the countries listed, Vietnam has facilities to produce pig iron and may have produced limited quantities between 1998 and 2002, but output is not

reported, and available information is inadequate to make reliable estimates of output levels. 6

Reported figure.

7

Figures reported by State Statistical Bureau that the Chinese Government considers as official statistical data.

1

World totals, U.S. data, and estimated data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown. 2

Production is pig iron unless otherwise specified.
IRON AND STEEL—2002 39.13

Country4 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002e

Albaniae 15 15 65 r 94 r 100

Algeria 400 e 758 842 850 r 1,090 5

Angolae 9 -- r -- r -- r --

Argentina 4,210 r 3,797 r 4,472 r 4,107 4,363 5

Australia 8,798 8,158 7,812 7,600 8,242 p

Austria 5,298 5,213 5,725 5,887 r 6,208 5

Azerbaijan 8 -- -- -- --

Bangladeshe, 6 35 36 35 30 r 30

Belarus 1,412 1,449 1,623 1,500 1,500

Belgium 11,427 10,972 11,637 10,783 r 11,495 5

Bosnia and Herzegovinae 50 60 77 84 r 85

Brazil7 25,800 r 24,996 r 27,865 r 26,717 r 29,604 5

Bulgaria 2,216 1,889 2,017 1,942 r 2,000

Burmae 24 24 24 24 24

Canada 15,930 16,300 15,900 r 16,300 r 16,300 p

Chile7 1,171 1,291 1,352 1,247 1,280 5

China8 115,590 124,260 128,500 151,630 r 181,550 5

Colombia 636 534 660 638 r 663 5

Croatia 105 77 71 58 65

Cuba 283 303 327 r 270 r 270

Czech Republic 6,498 5,613 6,216 6,316 r 6,500

Denmark 790 748 803 r 746 r 392

Dominican Republic 36 43 36 r 36 r, e 36

Ecuador 46 53 58 60 r 67 5

Egypt 2,870 2,619 2,820 e 3,800 r 4,200

El Salvador 43 34 41 39 49 5

Finland 3,932 3,956 4,096 3,938 r 4,004 5

France 20,126 20,211 21,002 r 19,431 r 20,524 5

Georgia 56 r 7 r 5 r 5 r 5

Germany 44,046 42,056 46,376 44,775 r 44,999 5

Ghana, all from scrap 75 75 75 75 75

Greece 1,109 951 1,056 1,281 r 1,835 5

Guatemala 28 80 166 202 r 216 5

Hong Konge 350 450 500 500 500

Hungary 1,821 1,813 1,871 2,056 r 2,000

India 23,480 24,269 26,924 27,291 r 28,814 5

Indonesiae NA 2,890 3,010 2,780 r 3,000

Iran 5,608 6,277 6,600 6,900 e 7,300

Iraqe 50 r 50 r 50 50 25

Ireland 358 335 375 110 r --

Israele 280 280 270 220 150

Italy 25,798 24,964 26,544 26,483 r 25,930 5

Japan 93,548 94,192 106,444 102,866 107,745 5

Jordane 30 30 30 30 30

Kazakhstan 3,089 4,116 4,770 4,691 r 4,868 5

Kenya 25 e -- -- -- --

Korea, Northe 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000

Korea, Republic of 39,896 41,042 43,107 43,852 45,390 5

Latvia 469 484 500 510 e 505

Libya 925 945 1,055 846 r, e 1,000

Luxembourg 2,592 2,477 2,571 2,725 r 2,736 5

Macedonia 49 49 50 50 50

Malaysia 1,903 r 2,770 r 3,650 r 4,100 r 4,200

Mexico 14,182 15,243 15,586 13,292 14,051 5

Moldova 718 796 909 966 900

Moroccoe 5 5 5 5 5

Netherlands 6,379 6,075 5,667 6,037 r 6,144 5

TABLE 11

RAW STEEL: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY1, 2, 3

(Thousand metric tons)

See footnotes at end of table.
39.14 U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MINERALS YEARBOOK—2002

Country4 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002e

New Zealand 756 744 765 770 e 750

Nigeriae 2 -- -- -- --

Norway 644 611 620 635 r 694

Pakistane 494 5 500 500 500 500

Paraguay 56 56 77 71 r 80 5

Peru 631 559 749 750 e 750

Philippines 880 530 530 e 530 e 530

Poland 9,915 8,853 10,498 8,809 r 8,369 5

Portugal 854 1,044 1,060 728 r 800

Qatar 646 629 744 r 908 r 1,000

Romania 6,335 4,392 4,770 4,930 r 5,000

Russia 43,822 51,524 59,098 59,030 r 59,777 5

Saudi Arabia 2,356 2,610 2,973 3,413 r 3,800

Serbia and Montenegro 949 226 682 598 596

Singaporee 500 500 500 400 400

Slovakia 3,428 3,569 3,447 r 3,676 r 3,700

Slovenia 405 405 519 462 r 480

South Africa 7,506 6,830 8,481 8,821 9,000

Spain 14,827 14,886 15,920 16,500 r 16,358 5

Sri Lankae 30 30 30 30 30

Sweden 5,062 5,075 5,227 5,518 r 5,754 5

Switzerland 1,018 1,037 1,140 1,000 1,000

Syriae 70 70 70 70 70

Taiwan 17,192 16,027 17,302 17,336 18,255 5

Thailand 1,814 1,532 r 2,100 2,127 r 2,200

Trinidad and Tobago 809 r 762 r 753 r 696 r 696

Tunisia 171 229 237 239 r 220

Turkey 13,351 14,309 14,325 14,900 16,000

Ugandae 7 8 7 7 7

Ukraine 23,461 27,390 31,780 33,110 34,538 5

United Kingdom 17,066 16,634 15,022 13,610 r 11,718 5

United States 98,600 97,400 r 102,000 90,100 91,600 5

Uruguay 52 45 38 31 34 5

Uzbekistan 344 343 e 420 460 450

Venezuela 3,553 3,261 3,835 3,813 r 4,164 5

Vietnam 306 308 306 319 r 320

Zimbabwee 220 255 258 156 150

 Total 770,000 r 784,000 r 845,000 r 847,000 r 898,000

TABLE 11--Continued

RAW STEEL: WORLD PRODUCTION, BY COUNTRY1, 2, 3

3

Table includes data available through August 1, 2003.

(Thousand metric tons)

e

Estimated. pPreliminary. rRevised. NA Not available. -- Zero.

7

Excludes castings.

8

Figures reported by State Statistical Bureau that Chinese Government considers as official statistical data.

4

In addition to the countries listed, Mozambique is known to have steelmaking plants, but available information is inadequate to make reliable

estimates of output levels.

5

Reported figure.

6

Data for year ending June 30 of that stated.

1

World totals, U.S. data, and estimated data are rounded to no more than three significant digits; may not add to totals shown. 2

Steel formed in solid state after melting, suitable for further processing or sale; for some countries, includes material reported as "liquid steel,"

presumably measured in the molten state prior to cooling in any specific form.