U.S. Steel Shipments Post April Gains; YTD Volumes Rise 3.6%
Steel News | 2026-06-10 05:50:14
However, cumulative shipments during the initial four months of the current year remained stronger than the corresponding period last year.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that U.S. steel mills shipped 7.66 million net tons of steel during April 2026. This marks a modest increase of 1.1% compared to the 7.58 million net tons shipped in April 2025.
According to AISI data, April steel mill shipments fell 6.6% from the 8.20 million net tons shipped in March 2026, reflecting softer market activity and seasonal fluctuations across key steel-consuming sectors.
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However, cumulative shipments during the initial four months of the current year remained stronger than the corresponding period last year. Year-to-date steel shipments through April totaled 30.85 million net tons, representing a 3.6% increase from the 29.78 million net tons shipped during the same four-month period in 2025. The growth was mainly driven by robust demand from various industries including manufacturing, construction, automotive, and infrastructure.
Among products, corrosion-resistant sheet and strip recorded the strongest performance, with year-to-date shipments rising 13% compared to the first four months of 2025. Hot-rolled sheet and strip shipments also posted gains, increasing 4% over the same period.
In contrast, cold-rolled sheet and strip shipments declined by 4% year over year, indicating uneven demand trends across steel product segments.
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Which factor is most likely driving the growth in U.S. steel shipments during 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much steel did U.S. mills ship in April 2026?
U.S. steel mills shipped 7.66 million net tons in April 2026, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
- How did April shipments compare with the previous year and month?
Shipments increased 1.1% from April 2025 but declined 6.6% from March 2026.
- What was the year-to-date shipment volume through April 2026?
Year-to-date shipments totaled 30.85 million net tons, up 3.6% from 29.78 million net tons during the same period in 2025.
