Posted on 28 May 2026
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.
Source:GMK Center
