AISI: U.S. Finished Steel Import Share Reaches 18% in July

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that U.S. steel import permit applications totaled 2.29 million net tons (NT) in July 2026, based on the latest Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. July permit volumes increased 10.1% from June levels, while estimated finished steel import market share reached 18%.

Total steel import permits in July were 2,294,000 NT, compared with 2,084,000 NT in June. Finished steel import permits reached 1,594,000 NT, up 8.6% from June’s final finished steel import volume of 1,468,000 NT.

Despite the monthly increase, U.S. steel imports remained lower on a year-to-date basis. During the first seven months of 2026, total steel imports reached 13.59 million NT, down 19.4% compared with the same period in 2025. Finished steel imports totaled 9.77 million NT, a decrease of 21.8% year over year. Finished steel import market share stood at 16% for the year through July.

Several steel product categories recorded notable increases in July permit applications compared with June final import levels. Imports of oil country goods rose 62%, wire rods increased 58%, standard pipe climbed 51%, hot rolled bars grew 43% and tin-free steel increased 32%.

On a year-to-date basis, several products also recorded higher import volumes compared with the first seven months of 2025. Heavy structural shapes increased 63%, standard rails rose 36%, structural pipe and tubing grew 18%, and reinforcing bar imports increased 15%.

South Korea was the largest source of U.S. steel import permit applications in July, accounting for 514,000 NT, up 22% from June final imports. Mexico followed with 327,000 NT, a 71% increase from June, while Canada supplied 279,000 NT, down 5%. Brazil and Vietnam recorded 180,000 NT and 156,000 NT, respectively.

For the first seven months of 2026, South Korea remained the leading steel supplier to the U.S. market with 2.51 million NT, representing a 41% increase from the same period in 2025. Canada supplied 1.85 million NT, down 41%, while Brazil supplied 1.69 million NT, down 42%.

Source: The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. steel imports increased in July but remained significantly below 2025 levels, with year-to-date import volumes down more than 19% amid changing global steel supply flows.