U.S. Finished Steel Imports Slide in June: AISI

Steel News  |  2026-07-29 04:36:55   |   By

A few product categories registered strong monthly gains. Imports of line pipe nearly doubled, surging 94% from May.

Summary
  • Imports declined: Total U.S. steel imports fell 4.3% in June, while finished steel imports dropped 6.9% from May.
  • Year-to-date weakness: Total steel imports were down 22.9%, with finished steel imports falling 24.5% compared with the first half of 2025.
  • Top suppliers: South Korea remained the largest steel exporter to the U.S. in June, followed by Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The U.S. steel imports volume continued to decline in June 2026, according to the latest preliminary figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

The U.S. imported approximately 2.09 million net tons of steel during June, while finished steel imports totaled about 1.46 million net tons. Compared with May, overall steel imports slipped 4.3%, whereas finished steel imports were down sharply by 6.9%.

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During the first six months of 2026, total steel imports were 22.9% lower than the same period in 2025, while finished steel imports dropped 24.5%. Finished imported steel accounted for an estimated 17% of the U.S. market in June. The year-to-date share stood at 16%.

A few product categories registered strong monthly gains. Imports of line pipe nearly doubled, surging 94% from May. Hot-rolled sheets increased 28%, while other metallic-coated sheet and strip climbed 19%. Over the past 12 months, heavy structural shapes remained the only major category to record growth, rising 28%.

Among supplying nations, South Korea remained the leading source of U.S. steel imports in June with 422,000 net tons, followed by Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam. Over the latest 12-month period, Canada and South Korea continued to be the largest exporters to the U.S.