U.S. Steel Shipments Post April Gains; YTD Volumes Rise 3.6%
Steel News | 2026-06-10 13:37:23
However, cumulative shipments during the initial four months of the current year remained stronger than the corresponding period last year.
By Paul Ploumis
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that U.S. steel mills shipped 7.66 million net tons of steel in April 2026, up 1.1% from 7.58 million net tons in April 2025.
Despite the year-over-year gain, April shipments declined 6.6% from 8.20 million net tons in March 2026, pointing to softer monthly activity across key steel-consuming markets.
April Shipments Edge Higher From Last Year
The latest AISI data indicates that U.S. steel shipments remained slightly ahead of year-ago levels in April. The modest increase suggests that demand held relatively firm compared with the same month in 2025, even as volumes eased from March.
Monthly Decline Reflects Softer Market Momentum
On a month-over-month basis, shipments moved lower in April after stronger March volumes. The sequential drop highlights some near-term cooling in market momentum and seasonal variability across major steel end-use sectors.
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Year-to-Date Volumes Remain Ahead
Even with the April pullback from March, cumulative performance stayed positive. Year-to-date steel shipments through April totaled 30.85 million net tons, compared with 29.78 million net tons during the same four-month period in 2025, representing a 3.6% increase.
The stronger year-to-date showing points to resilient demand from major downstream sectors such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, and infrastructure.
Product Trends Show Uneven Demand
Shipment performance varied by product category. Corrosion-resistant sheet and strip posted the strongest gain, with year-to-date shipments rising 13% from the comparable 2025 period.
Hot-rolled sheet and strip shipments also improved, climbing 4%. In contrast, cold-rolled sheet and strip shipments fell 4% year over year, underscoring mixed demand conditions across the steel market.
People Also Ask
How much steel did U.S. mills ship in April 2026?
U.S. steel mills shipped 7.66 million net tons in April 2026.
How did April 2026 shipments compare with April 2025?
April 2026 shipments were up 1.1% from 7.58 million net tons in April 2025.
How did April shipments compare with March 2026?
April shipments were down 6.6% from 8.20 million net tons in March 2026.
What were year-to-date steel shipments through April 2026?
Year-to-date shipments totaled 30.85 million net tons through April 2026.
Which steel product showed the strongest gain?
Corrosion-resistant sheet and strip led the gains, with shipments up 13% year over year.
POLL
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.
