By U.S. Steel Imports Rise in July Despite YTD Decline
U.S. steel imports increased in July, led by higher finished-steel inflows and gains across several product categories, but total and finished imports remained sharply below 2025 levels through the first seven months of the year.
By Paul Ploumis
Published August 31, 2026
Key Points
- U.S. steel imports totaled about 2.26 million net tons in July, up 7.4% from June, while finished steel imports rose 6.3% to nearly 1.56 million net tons.
- Total imports for January through July were 19.6% below the same period of 2025, while finished steel imports declined 22.1%.
- South Korea led July suppliers with 556,000 net tons, up 32% from June.
- Wire rod imports jumped 53% month over month, followed by hot-rolled bars at 52%, oil country goods at 45% and standard pipe at 36%.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel imports increased in July 2026, although volumes remained significantly lower than last year's levels, according to preliminary Census Bureau figures reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
U.S. steel imports totaled around 2.26 million net tons (NT) during July, including nearly 1.56 million NT of finished steel. Compared with the prior month, total imports increased 7.4%, while finished steel imports increased 6.3%.
Imports Remain Well Below 2025 Levels
Despite the monthly increase, cumulative imports for the year remained under pressure. Total steel imports during the first seven months of 2026 were 19.6% lower than the corresponding period of 2025. Finished steel imports recorded an even steeper 22.1% decline.
Over the 12 months from August 2025 to July 2026, total steel imports fell 21.6%, while finished steel imports declined 25.3%.
Finished steel accounted for approximately 17% of the U.S. market in July, while its share averaged about 16% through July.
Wire Rod Leads Product Gains as South Korea Tops Suppliers
Several product categories recorded strong monthly gains. Wire rod imports jumped 53%, followed by hot-rolled bars at 52%, oil country goods at 45% and standard pipe at 36%. Heavy structural shapes recorded the biggest increase during the year-to-date period, rising 44%.
South Korea led July suppliers with 556,000 NT, up 32% from June. Canada supplied 280,000 NT, Brazil 253,000 NT, Mexico 192,000 NT and Vietnam 150,000 NT. Over the 12-month period, South Korea remained the largest supplier.
