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U.S. Steel Shipments Fall 2.1% in September, Remain Up 4.8% Year to Date
U.S. steel mill shipments declined to 8.05 million net tons in September 2026, down 2.1% from August. However, year-to-date shipments remained 4.8% above 2025 levels, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Key Points
- September shipments: ▼ 2.1% month over month to 8.05 million net tons.
- Year-to-date shipments: ▲ 4.8% to 72.01 million net tons.
- Corrosion-resistant steel: ▲ 10% year over year.
- Hot-rolled sheet and strip: ▲ 8% year over year.
- Cold-rolled sheet: ▼ 0.6% year over year.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steel mill shipments declined in September 2026 compared with the previous month, according to the latest figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). However, cumulative shipments through September continued to outperform the corresponding period last year.
U.S. steel producers shipped 8.05 million net tons (NT) during September, marginally above the 8.03 million NT recorded in September 2025. Shipments fell 2.1% from August's 8.22 million NT, reflecting a modest month-on-month slowdown.
SCRAPMONSTER EDGE | INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
Monthly Steel Shipments Slow, but Annual Growth Holds
September's 2.1% monthly decline contrasts with the 4.8% year-to-date increase, showing that the latest slowdown has not erased the industry's cumulative shipment gains.
Steel product categories also performed differently. Corrosion-resistant and hot-rolled sheet shipments increased over the first nine months, while cold-rolled sheet volumes edged lower.
Industry takeaway: The September decline signals a slower shipment month, but not necessarily a sustained downturn. For steel buyers, processors and scrap suppliers, subsequent shipment reports and mill purchasing activity will be important in assessing whether the slowdown continues into the fourth quarter.
Year-to-Date Steel Shipments Remain 4.8% Higher
The broader shipment trend remained positive despite the decline in September.
U.S. steel mills shipped a combined 72.01 million NT during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 4.8% increase from the 68.73 million NT shipped over the same period in 2025.
Corrosion-Resistant and Hot-Rolled Steel Lead Growth
Among steel categories, corrosion-resistant sheet and strip shipments registered the strongest growth, climbing 10% year over year during January–September 2026.
Hot-rolled sheet and strip shipments also advanced, increasing 8% year on year.
In contrast, cold-rolled sheet shipments registered a marginal decline of 0.6% compared with the first nine months of 2025.
Steel Shipment Outlook
The latest AISI data indicate that U.S. steel shipments sustained annual growth through September.
At the same time, the month-on-month decline suggests some moderation in the shipment pace. Additional monthly data will be needed to determine whether this weakness extends into the final quarter of 2026.
Data source: American Iron and Steel Institute, November 4, 2026. Volumes are reported in U.S. net tons (2,000 pounds per ton).
