Today, the steel industry represents one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the United States. Without a doubt, ours is a solid industry built by men and women whose work strengthens the economy and seeks technological advances in order to always go further.
The origin of the steel industry in the United States
It was the Industrial Revolution that promoted the development of activities such as the steel industry throughout the world, and it was in the 19th century that a nascent steel industry began to gain strength in our country.
It is estimated that by 1880, steel production in the United States grew from 1.25 to 10 million tons, and by 1910, 24 million tons were produced domestically.
It should be noted that the production of steel has been with humanity for much longer, yet it was not until the modern era that steel production was industrialized and new technologies were developed.
Some fast facts about our country’s steel industry:
- Currently, the industry is estimated to produce more than 106 million tons per year.
- Most of the steel produced in the United States today comes from recycling, thus ensuring a sustainable industry.
- The steel industry strengthens other sectors such as infrastructure, construction, car production, appliances, electronics, safety, healtcare and sustainable development.
- 75% of the steel varieties available today have been technologically developed in the last 20 years.
- As of 2017, the steel industry produced more than 2 million jobs for Americans , both directly and indirectly.
- Steel is a dynamic part of America’s economy, accounting for more than $520 billion in economic output.
- Since 1990, measures have been promoted to reduce carbon emissions in steel production with new, sustainable technologies being developed and implemented today.
- Approximately 70,000,000 tons of steel are recycled every year.