Steel Imports Down 12.6% in 2025

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Based on final Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the U.S. imported a total of 1,577,000 net tons (NT) of steel in December 2025, including 1,160,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 3.8% and up 6.9%, respectively, vs. November 2025). Full year 2025 total and finished steel imports were 25,241,000 and 18,665,000 net tons (NT), down 12.6% and 17.1%, respectively, vs. 2024. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 14% in December and is estimated at 18% for full year 2025.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in December compared to November are reinforcing bars (up 135%), cut lengths plates (up 68%), plates in coils (up 45%), hot rolled bars (up 39%) and heavy structural shapes (up 37%). Products with a significant increase in imports for the full year of 2025 vs. 2024 include tin plate (up 24%), line pipe (up 19%), wire rods (up 13%) and oil country goods (up 13%).

In December, the largest suppliers were Brazil (257,000 NT, up 4% vs. November), Canada (234,000 NT, down 9%), South Korea (167,000 NT, up 1%), Mexico (137,000 NT, down 17%) and Japan (109,000 NT, up 53%). For full year 2025 the largest suppliers were Canada (4,524,000 NT, down 31% vs 2024), Brazil (4,126,000 NT, down 8%), Mexico (2,823,000 NT, down 20%), South Korea (2,662,000 NT, down 5%) and Germany (1,128,000 NT, up 5%). Below are charts on steel imports by country and estimated finished steel import market share in recent months.

Courtesy: www.steel.org