U.S. Steel Import Permits Fall 11% in October, Finished Steel Rises 3%: AISI
U.S. steel import permit applications declined to 2.214 million net tons in October 2026, while finished steel permits increased compared with September's finalized imports. South Korea remained the leading supplier, and Vietnam recorded a sharp rise in permit volumes.
By Paul Ploumis | Published November 9, 2026
Key Points
- Total import permits decline: October applications fell ▼ 11% to 2.214 million net tons from September's permit total.
- Finished steel remains resilient: October permit tonnage reached 1.719 million net tons, ▲ 3% compared with September's finalized finished steel imports.
- Supplier trends diverge: South Korea led with 405,000 net tons in permits, while Vietnam's applications surged ▲ 119% to 213,000 net tons.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel import permit applications declined in October 2026, although finished steel applications increased compared with the previous month's finalized imports, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system showed 2.214 million net tons (NT) of October permit applications, down 11% from September's 2.492 million permit tons.
The October permit figure was also 8% below September's finalized import volume of 2.416 million NT.
SCRAPMONSTER EDGE | STEEL TRADE ANALYSIS
Total Import Permits Fall, but Finished Steel Holds a Larger Share
Finished steel accounted for approximately 77.6% of October's total steel import permit tonnage, based on 1.719 million NT of finished steel permits out of 2.214 million NT overall.
This highlights a difference in the composition of permit applications. Total permit tonnage declined, but finished steel applications remained comparatively firm.
Important distinction: The 77.6% figure represents finished steel's share of total import permit tonnage. It is not the same as AISI's estimated 18% finished steel import market share, which measures imports relative to the broader U.S. steel market.
Industry takeaway: Steel producers, distributors and scrap processors should monitor finalized import volumes before interpreting October's applications as a confirmed shift in physical steel supply. Product mix and supplier changes remain important indicators of competitive pressure in individual steel markets.
Finished Steel Permit Tonnage Increases 3%
October finished steel import permits totalled 1.719 million NT, up 3% compared with September's finalized finished steel import volume of 1.663 million NT.
AISI estimated that finished steel imports accounted for 18% of the U.S. market in October, compared with a year-to-date market share of 17%.
These figures suggest continued import competition in finished steel products, even as total permit applications declined.
Year-to-Date Steel Import Volumes Remain Below 2025 Levels
U.S. steel imports totalled 20.706 million NT during January–October 2026, including 14.755 million NT of finished steel, according to AISI's combined final-import and permit data.
Total imports were down 6% year over year, while finished steel imports declined 10%.
The year-to-date totals incorporate finalized data through September and October permit applications. They are therefore preliminary until the October import figures are finalized.
Rail, Piling and Pipe Products Record Sharp Increases
Several steel product categories recorded substantial increases in October permit applications compared with September's finalized imports.
All other rails posted the largest percentage increase at 390%, followed by steel piling at 176% and standard pipe at 61%.
Additional gains were reported in pipe for piling (60%), tin plate (42%), ingots and steel for castings (41%) and cut-length plates (34%).
These increases occurred in specific product categories and should not be interpreted as evidence of growth across the entire steel import market.
South Korea Leads U.S. Steel Import Permits; Vietnam Gains 119%
South Korea remained the largest source of steel import permit applications in October, accounting for 405,000 NT, down 22% from its September finalized import volume.
Brazil followed with 235,000 NT, Canada with 218,000 NT, Vietnam with 213,000 NT and Mexico with 159,000 NT.
Vietnam recorded the strongest increase among these leading suppliers, with permit volumes rising 119% from September's finalized imports.
During January–October 2026, South Korea remained the largest supplier, with approximately 3.9 million NT, up 68% year over year. Brazil supplied 2.694 million NT, Canada 2.622 million NT and Mexico 1.988 million NT.
Source: American Iron and Steel Institute, October SIMA Imports Data, November 6, 2026. Data note: SIMA permit figures represent tonnage requested in applications for steel import licenses, not confirmed physical imports. Actual October import volumes may differ once finalized.