AISI: U.S. Steel Import Permits Rise Sharply in July
Steel News | 2026-08-10 20:37:47
During the first seven months of 2026, total steel imports stood at 13.585 million NT, down significantly by 19.4% year over year. Meanwhile, finished steel imports fell 21.8% to 9.766 million NT.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel imports gained momentum in July, according to the latest Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Import permits reached 2.294 million net tons (NT) during the month, up 10.1% from June permit volumes and 9.1% above June’s final import figure of 2.103 million NT.
Finished steel imports also increased in July. The monthly permits for finished products totaled 1.594 million NT, compared with 1.468 million NT in June final imports, recording an increase of 8.6%. Despite the monthly increase, imports remained below last year’s levels.
During the first seven months of 2026, total steel imports stood at 13.585 million NT, down significantly by 19.4% year over year. Meanwhile, finished steel imports fell 21.8% to 9.766 million NT.
Finished steel accounted for an estimated 18% of the U.S. market in July, while the year-to-date share stood at 16%.
Among products, oil country goods, wire rod and standard pipe recorded the strongest monthly gains. South Korea continued to remain as the leading supplier. Mexico posted a notable 71% increase in July permits, AISI data said.
During the seven-month period from January to July, South Korea supplied 2.508 million NT, followed by Canada at 1.850 million NT and Brazil at 1.686 million NT.
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What best describes the U.S. steel import market in July 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did U.S. steel imports perform in July 2026?
U.S. steel import permits gained momentum in July, reaching 2.294 million net tons, a 10.1% increase from June permit volumes and 9.1% above June’s final import figure.
- What were U.S. steel imports during the first seven months of 2026?
Total steel imports reached 13.585 million NT during January–July 2026, down 19.4% year over year. Finished steel imports declined 21.8% to 9.766 million NT.
- Which countries were the leading U.S. steel suppliers in January–July 2026?
South Korea was the largest supplier with 2.508 million NT, followed by Canada with 1.850 million NT and Brazil with 1.686 million NT. Mexico also recorded a notable 71% increase in July import permits.
