U.S. Steel Imports Rise 3.4% in August, AISI Reports

Steel News | 2026-09-28 06:51:39 | By Paul Ploumis

The U.S. imported 2.35 million net tons (NT) of steel during the month, including 1.60 million NT of finished steel.

Summary

U.S. Steel Imports Rebound in August
The U.S. imported 2.35 million net tons of steel in August 2026, marking a 3.4% increase from July. Finished steel imports also climbed 2.2% to 1.60 million net tons, based on preliminary Census Bureau data.
Year-to-Date Imports Remain Lower
Despite the monthly increase, total U.S. steel imports were down 15.1% during January-August 2026 compared with the same period last year. Finished steel imports posted a steeper 18.5% decline, while finished steel held an estimated 16% market share for the period.
Brazil and Key Steel Products Post Strong Gains
Hot-rolled sheet imports surged 64% in August, while plate in coils and hot-dipped galvanized sheet and strip increased 31% and 21%, respectively. Brazil’s shipments jumped 39% month-on-month to 351,000 NT, while South Korea remained the largest supplier at 407,000 NT.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel imports increased in August 2026, although volumes remained significantly below year-ago levels, according to preliminary Census Bureau data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

The U.S. imported 2.35 million net tons (NT) of steel during the month, including 1.60 million NT of finished steel. Compared with July, total imports rose 3.4%, while finished steel imports were up by 2.2%. Despite the monthly increase, the cumulative steel imports remained down 15.1% and 18.5%, respectively, during the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

AISI: US Raw Steel Output Climbs 4.8% YoY

Finished steel accounted for an estimated 17.5% of the U.S. market in August, while its market share averaged about 16% during the initial eight-month period.

Several product categories recorded notable monthly gains. Imports of hot-rolled sheet jumped 64%, while plate in coils imports increased 31%. Also, imports of hot-dipped galvanized sheet and strip climbed 21%.

South Korea remained the largest supplier in August with a volume of 407,000 NT, despite a 27% monthly decline. Brazil followed with 351,000 NT, recording a month-on-month increase of 39%. Canada supplied 296,000 NT, while Mexico and Vietnam contributed 254,000 NT and 159,000 NT, respectively.

Over the latest 12-month period, South Korean shipments reached 3.66 million NT, up 32%, followed by Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Heavy structural shape imports posted a 55% year-over-year jump.