AISI: U.S. Steel Imports Drop by 17.1% in April vs. March

The U.S. steel industry experienced a notable drop in imports during April 2025, according to data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Preliminary Census Bureau figures indicate that total steel imports reached 2,073,000 net tons (NT) in April. This marks a 17.1% decline compared to March 2025. Finished steel imports, which accounted for a significant portion of the total imports, also saw a decrease, dropping by 11.8% to 1,607,000 NT.

Despite the monthly drop, the year-to-date (YTD) comparison reveals a slight decrease in total steel imports by 4.4%, and a 5.1% drop in finished steel imports compared to the same period in 2024. However, over the past 12 months (May 2024 to April 2025), total steel imports declined by 0.7%, while finished steel imports showed a slight increase of 1.1%.

The finished steel import market share was estimated to be 20% in April 2025. Over the first four months of 2025, this share is expected to average around 22%, indicating a slight increase in the proportion of finished steel in the U.S. market.

Key Product Categories Show Mixed Results

Several steel products saw significant import increases in April 2025 compared to March, most notably tin plate (up by 43%), oil country goods (up by 26%), and wire rods (up by 14%). These products’ growth in imports reflects an ongoing demand for specific steel types, particularly in industries like manufacturing and oil production.

Looking at the 12-month period from May 2024 to April 2025, certain products saw substantial growth in imports. Tin plate imports surged by 73%, wire rods increased by 14%, sheets and strips (all other metallic coated) grew by 14%, line pipe imports rose by 14%, and heavy structural shapes increased by 11%. These increases are may driven by demand in sectors such as construction, automotive, and energy.

Leading Suppliers and Market Dynamics

Canada remained the largest supplier of steel to the U.S. in April 2025, shipping 433,000 NT of steel, although this marked a 13% decrease compared to March 2025. Brazil, South Korea, and Mexico also contributed significantly, although their shipments showed more substantial drops, especially Mexico, which saw a 60% decrease in steel exports to the U.S. compared to the previous month.

Over the 12-month period, Canada continued to be the largest supplier with 6,266,000 NT, though this represented a 9% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Brazil, on the other hand, saw a 5% increase in its exports to the U.S., with shipments totaling 4,506,000 NT. South Korea’s exports decreased slightly by 1%, while Mexico experienced a 15% drop in its shipments. Vietnam showed a remarkable increase of 57%, highlighting its growing role as a steel exporter to the U.S.

The U.S. steel import market continues to be shaped by fluctuating global steel demand and shifting trade dynamics. While imports declined in April 2025, several key steel products, particularly those related to the energy and manufacturing sectors, showed positive growth. The ongoing trend of a slightly higher share of finished steel in the U.S. market could indicate a shift toward more processed steel products, catering to the country’s advanced manufacturing and construction needs.

Source: AISI