US Steel Imports Drop in Feb 2026; Finished Share at 15%

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that U.S. steel imports totaled 1,663,000 net tons (NT) in February 2026, including 1,171,000 NT of finished steel. While total imports rose 0.8% from January, finished steel imports fell 6.2%.

Year-to-date, total and finished steel imports are down 37.6% and 38.5%, respectively, compared with the same period in 2025. Over the 12 months ending February 2026, total imports declined 20.3% and finished steel imports fell 24.7% versus the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share remained steady at an estimated 15% for February and the first two months of 2026.

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Key products with notable import gains in February included line pipe (up 51%), hot rolled bars (up 30%), blooms, billets, and slabs (up 23%), and oil country goods (up 21%)

The largest suppliers in February were South Korea (305,000 NT, up 7%), Brazil (247,000 NT, up 39%), Canada (225,000 NT, up 3%), Mexico (175,000 NT, down 25%), and Japan (141,000 NT, up 236%). Over the 12-month period, top suppliers were Canada, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, and Germany, all showing year-over-year declines.

The data underscores ongoing shifts in global steel trade and continued pressure on U.S. import levels.