U.S. Steel Import Permit Applications Decline Sharply in September 2025
Steel News | 2025-11-18 19:01:38
In September of this year, 1.650 million net tonnes of permit applications were filed, according to data from the Commerce Department.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The latest Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) statistics released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reveal a significant drop in steel import permit applications for September 2025 compared to the previous month.
According to figures published by the U.S. Commerce Department, total steel import permit requests for September reached 1.650 million net tonnes, marking a steep 12% decrease from 1.876 million net tonnes recorded in August 2025. When measured against preliminary import data of 1.864 million net tonnes for August, the September total reflects an even deeper decline of approximately 11.5%, further highlighting weakening momentum in steel import activity.
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Finished steel import permit volume also registered a notable reduction. Applications for finished steel products amounted to 1.248 million net tonnes in September, dropping 11% compared to 1.402 million net tonnes in preliminary imports during August.
Despite the overall slowdown, several product categories posted strong month-over-month increases. Permits for hot-dipped electrolytic galvanized sheet and strip surged by nearly 208%, while line pipe and structural pipe and tubing applications advanced 48% and 41%, respectively. On a year-to-date basis, stainless pipe and tube, tin plate, and line pipe continue to record substantial growth versus the same period in 2024, indicating ongoing demand strength in those segments.
In September 2025, Canada remained the largest offshore supplier of finished steel import permit requests, followed by Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, and Germany, maintaining their positions as major contributors to U.S. steel import flows.
The downward trend in total permit filings reflects shifting market dynamics, with analysts suggesting cautious purchasing behavior amid uncertain economic conditions and fluctuating steel prices.
POLL
Which factor do you believe is contributing most to reduced steel import activity?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the latest SIMA and AISI data reveal about U.S. steel import trends in September 2025?
The data shows a significant decline in steel import permit applications, which fell 12% from the previous month to 1.650 million net tonnes.
- How did finished steel import permits perform during the month?
Finished steel permits dropped by 11%, falling from 1.402 million net tonnes in August to 1.248 million net tonnes in September.
- Which countries were the top sources of U.S. finished steel import permit requests in September 2025?
Canada led the list, followed by Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, and Germany.
- Were there any product categories that experienced growth despite the overall decline?
Yes. Hot-dipped electrolytic galvanized sheet and strip permit applications surged nearly 208%, while line pipe and structural pipe & tubing rose 48% and 41%, respectively.
