How much did U.S. steel imports increase in April 2026?

Total steel imports rose 5.9% month-on-month to 1.874 million net tons.

Which steel product category recorded the biggest monthly increase?

Tin plate imports recorded the largest jump, surging 126% compared to March.

What was the finished steel import market share in April?

Finished steel imports accounted for 16% of the U.S. market in April 2026.

U.S. Steel Imports Rebound in April; South Korea Leads Supply

Steel News | 2026-05-27 11:03:14

The finished steel import market share was estimated at 16% in April and stood at 15% for the first four months of 2026.

By Paul Ploumis

Summary

Total U.S. steel imports rose 5.9% in April 2026 to 1.874 million NT, while finished steel imports increased 5.5%.
Tin plate imports surged 126% month-on-month, with coated sheets, reinforcing bars, and cold rolled sheets also posting strong gains.
Despite the monthly rebound, year-to-date total and finished steel imports remained down nearly 30% compared to 2025.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): According to latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), U.S. steel imports rebounded in the month of April this year. The total imports jumped 5.9% month-on-month to 1.874 million net tons (NT). Finished steel imports also increased by 5.5% from the previous month to 1.378 million NT, reflecting stronger inflows across several key product categories.

However, overall import volumes remained significantly lower compared to last year. Year-to-date total steel imports declined 29.5%, while finished steel imports dropped 30.5% compared with the same period in 2025.

Over the 12-month period from May 2025 through April 2026, total steel imports were down 21.5%, while finished steel imports fell 25.8% year-on-year.

The finished steel import market share was estimated at 16% in April and stood at 15% for the first four months of 2026.

Among major product categories, tin plate imports recorded the sharpest monthly increase, surging 126% in April compared to March. Other notable gainers included sheet and strip with metallic coatings(up 56%), reinforcing bars (up 46%), cold rolled sheets (up 39%), and hot rolled bars (30%).

South Korea remained the largest steel supplier to the U.S. in April with 291,000 NT, followed by Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam.

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