U.S. Steel Imports Rebound; Market Share Holds at 16%
Steel News | 2026-06-29 07:07:11
The estimated finished steel import market share reached 17% in May, bringing the year-to-date average to 16%.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): According to the latest preliminary trade data, the U.S. steel import market recorded a notable month-on-month recovery in May 2026. However, the year-to-date volumes continued to remain lower than last year's levels.
The U.S. imported approximately 2.12 million net tons (NT) of steel during May, including 1.55 million NT of finished steel, with imports of both categories registering a 11.2% increase from April. Despite the monthly jump, total steel imports during the first five months of 2026 remained 26.3% lower than the corresponding period in 2025. Also, finished steel imports declined 26.8% year over year.
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The estimated finished steel import market share reached 17% in May, bringing the year-to-date average to 16%.
Among individual product categories, hot-rolled sheet imports posted the strongest monthly gain, surging 128% from April. Other products recording significant increases included plates in coils (78%), oil country tubular goods (45%), and hot-rolled bars (29%). Over the past twelve months, heavy structural shapes registered a notable jump in imports.
By country, South Korea remained the leading steel supplier to the U.S. in May with 399,000 NT, followed by Brazil (331,000 NT), Canada (281,000 NT), Mexico (185,000 NT), and Japan (142,000 NT).
Over the 12-month period, South Korea recorded 7% jump in shipments to the U.S., while most major exporting nations recorded decline in delivery volumes compared to the previous 12-month period.
POLL
What is the biggest takeaway from the latest U.S. steel import data?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did U.S. steel imports perform in May 2026?
Total and finished steel imports increased 11.2% from April, reaching 2.12 million NT and 1.55 million NT, respectively.
- How do 2026 import volumes compare with last year?
Despite the monthly recovery, year-to-date total steel imports were 26.3% lower and finished steel imports were 26.8% below the same period in 2025.
- Which steel products recorded the biggest monthly import gains?
Hot-rolled sheet imports surged 128%, followed by plates in coils (78%), oil country tubular goods (45%), and hot-rolled bars (29%).
