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U.S. Steel Imports Fall 2.9% in September as Finished Steel Shipments Rise
U.S. steel imports declined 2.9% to 2.36 million net tons in September 2026, although finished steel imports increased 1.1%. South Korea remained the largest supplier, while imports for the first nine months of the year stayed well below 2025 levels.
By Paul Ploumis
Published: October 28, 2026
Market data: September 2026
Key Points
- Total steel imports: ↓2.9% to 2.36 million net tons.
- Finished steel: ↑1.1% to 1.64 million net tons.
- Year-to-date: Total imports ↓9.6%; finished steel ↓13.8%.
- Largest supplier: South Korea, with 519,000 net tons, ↑21% month over month.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel imports declined in September 2026, even as shipments of finished steel products increased modestly, according to preliminary Census Bureau data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) on October 27.
Total imports reached 2,362,241 net tons, down 2.9% from August, while finished steel imports increased 1.1% to 1,641,808 net tons.
Despite September's modest increase in finished steel arrivals, imports remained substantially below year-earlier levels.
U.S. Steel Imports Remain Lower in 2026
During January–September 2026, total steel imports declined 9.6% year over year, while finished steel imports fell 13.8%.
Over the 12 months ended September, total imports were down 13.4%, with finished steel imports declining 18.5% from the preceding 12-month period.
AISI estimated that finished steel imports accounted for 16% of the U.S. market during the first nine months of 2026. The separately reported monthly share for August was approximately 18%.
Rail and Specialty Steel Imports Post Strong Monthly Gains
Several steel product categories recorded significant increases in September despite the overall decline in imports.
- Standard rails: ↑187% month over month.
- Tool steel: ↑116%.
- Electrogalvanized sheet and strip: ↑95%.
- Railroad accessories: ↑55%.
Over the latest 12-month period, imports of piling pipe increased 88%, while heavy structural shapes rose 61% compared with the previous 12 months.
ScrapMonster Edge: Finished Steel Gains Despite Lower Overall Imports
The difference between total and finished steel imports is the most important detail in September's report.
While total imports declined, finished steel arrivals increased, accounting for approximately 69.5% of all steel tonnage imported during the month.
This means the reduction was concentrated in the remaining import categories rather than across every type of steel product.
Why it matters: For domestic steelmakers and ferrous scrap suppliers, the distinction helps explain changes in import competition. However, reduced steel imports alone do not establish higher domestic scrap demand or prices. Those depend on mill production, metallic input requirements and purchasing activity.
South Korea Remains the Largest U.S. Steel Supplier
South Korea led U.S. steel suppliers in September, shipping 519,000 net tons, up 21% from August.
Brazil followed with 349,000 net tons, while Mexico supplied 267,000 net tons, an increase of 5%.
Canada shipped 256,000 net tons, down 13%, while imports from Japan increased 60% to 165,000 net tons.
The latest figures highlight the uneven performance of individual steel products and supplying countries, even as the broader U.S. import trend remains below 2025 levels.
Source: American Iron and Steel Institute, October 27, 2026, based on preliminary U.S. Census Bureau data. Figures are subject to revision.
