Total steel imports fell by 29.5% y/y
According to data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the United States imported 5.12 million short tons of rolled steel products in January–April 2026, a 30.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
Total steel imports, including rolled products and semi-finished products, amounted to 6.97 million tons, down 29.5% year-over-year.
The largest share of rolled steel imports for the period was accounted for by products for the oil industry—419,370 metric tons (-43% year-over-year), rebar—419,650 metric tons (+7.9% year-over-year), cold-rolled coils – 391,060 tons (-37.6% y/y), and heavy sections – 401,970 tons (+32.1% y/y).
The largest suppliers of steel to the U.S. in January–April were South Korea – 1.17 million tons (+22.6% y/y), Canada – 996,000 tons (-51.6% y/y), Brazil – 930,000 tons (-47.1% y/y), and Mexico – 738,000 tons (-43.1% y/y).
In April, 1.38 million tons of rolled steel were imported into the U.S. from abroad, an increase of 5.5% compared to the previous month. Total steel imports rose by 5.9% m/m – to 1.87 million tons. Among the most imported products: heavy sections – 127,870 tons (+27% m/m), rebar – 114,100 tons (+45.9% m/m), cold-rolled coils – 115,680 tons (+39.4% m/m), wire rod – 105,680 tons (+0.6% m/m).
Canada shipped 268,000 tons of products to the U.S. over the month (-6% MoM), Brazil – 215,000 tons (-26.1% MoM), South Korea – 291,000 tons (-0.4% m/m), and Mexico – 187,000 tons (+33.3% m/m).
As reported by GMK Center, in 2025, the United States had reduced its imports of rolled steel by 17.1% year-on-year, to 18.66 million short tons. Total steel imports (finished products and semi-finished products) amounted to 25.24 million tons, down 12.6% year-on-year. Finished steel products accounted for 18% of total imports last year.