Total steel imports fell by 34.7% y/y

According to data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the United States imported 3.74 million short tons of rolled steel products in the first quarter of 2026, a 35% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.

Total steel imports, including rolled products and semi-finished products, amounted to 5.09 million tons, down 34.7% year-on-year.

The largest share of rolled steel imports for the period was accounted for by products for the oil industry—338,880 metric tons (-36.7% year-on-year), rebar—305,550 metric tons (-7% year-on-year), cold-rolled coils – 275,340 tons (-43.4% y/y), and hot-dip galvanized sheets – 272,580 tons (-52.3% y/y).

The largest suppliers of steel to the U.S. in January–March were South Korea – 882,000 tons (+14.2% y/y), Canada – 728,000 tons (-55.2% y/y), Brazil – 715,000 tons (-51% y/y), Mexico – 551,000 tons (-51.7% y/y).

In March, 1.3 million tons of rolled steel were imported into the U.S. from abroad, an increase of 10.2% compared to the previous month. Total steel imports rose by 5.4% month-on-month, to 1.77 million tons. Among the most imported products were: products for the oil industry – 105,370 tons (-18.1% m/m), wire rod – 105,020 tons (+25.9% m/m), heavy sections – 99,850 tons (+47.5% m/m), cold-rolled coils – 82,890 tons (+14.9% m/m), and rebar – 78,200 tons (-32% m/m).

Canada shipped 285,000 tons of products to the U.S. over the month (+26.8% m/m), Brazil – 291,000 tons (+18.2% m/m), South Korea – 292,000 tons (-4.4% m/m), and Mexico – 141,000 tons (-19.7% m/m).

By the end of 2025, the U.S. reduced rolled steel imports by 17.1% y/y, 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. The share of finished steel imports last year was 18%.