U.S. Steel Import Permits Dip in October, Finished Steel Imports Post Monthly Gains

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel imports showed mixed signals in October, according to the latest Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute. Import permit applications for the month reached 1.59 million net tons, reflecting a modest decline from September permit levels, but slightly exceeding the final import volume recorded for the prior month.

Finished steel imports were a notable bright spot. October permits for finished products climbed to nearly 1.24 million net tons, marking a clear month-on-month increase and underscoring resilient demand in select downstream segments. Despite this short-term improvement, cumulative volumes remain under pressure.

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For the first ten months of 2025, total steel imports fell to about 21.9 million net tons, while finished steel imports dropped to 16.3 million net tons, both significantly below last year’s levels. Finished steel accounted for roughly 15 percent of the U.S. market in October and about 19 percent on a year-to-date basis.

Several product categories recorded sharp monthly gains, led by reinforcing bars, wire rods, metallic-coated sheet, hot-rolled sheet, and oil country tubular goods. On a year-to-date comparison, stainless pipe and tube, tin plate, and energy-related products posted the strongest growth.

Canada remained the top source of imported steel in October, followed by Brazil and Mexico, while Canada, Brazil, and Mexico continued to dominate overall supply through October 2025.

Summary

• Total steel imports (Jan–Oct 2025): ~21.9 million net tons

• Finished steel imports (Jan–Oct 2025): ~16.3 million net tons

• Top importing countries: Canada, Brazil, Mexico

• Fastest-growing products (YTD): stainless pipe, tin plate, energy products

Bottom Line:

While overall U.S. steel imports remain under pressure, finished steel products and select categories are showing resilience, highlighting ongoing demand in critical downstream industries.