AISI: U.S. Steel Import Permits Rise in May, Finished Import Share Estimated at 17%

The United States recorded 1.996 million net tons of steel import permit applications in May 2026, marking a modest increase from April, according to the latest Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Finished steel permit volumes reached 1.495 million net tons in May, up 8.5% from April’s preliminary import figure of 1.378 million net tons. Total permit applications rose 0.7% month on month and 6.5% compared with April preliminary imports.

AISI estimated finished steel import market share at 17% in May, compared with 16% in April, and 16% for the year-to-date period through May.

For the first five months of 2026, total steel imports stood at 8.968 million net tons, while finished steel imports totaled 6.613 million net tons. Both figures remain down sharply compared with the same period in 2025, falling 27.5% and 27.7%, respectively.

The agency said several product categories recorded notable monthly increases in permit applications, including hot rolled sheet, tin free steel, plates in coils, wire rods, and oil country goods.

On a supplier basis, South Korea remained the largest source of import permits in May, followed by Canada and Brazil. Vietnam and Japan also ranked among the top five suppliers during the month.

Market data indicated continued volatility in specific product segments, even as overall import levels remain below last year’s comparable period. Analysts often track SIMA permit data as an early indicator of near-term import flows into the U.S. steel market.

Source: AISI

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. finished steel import share rose to an estimated 17% in May 2026, reflecting a slight monthly increase amid continued year-on-year import declines.