AISI: U.S. Steel Imports Fall in June as Year-to-Date Volumes Continue to Decline

U.S. steel imports declined in June 2026, with both total and finished steel shipments posting month-on-month and year-to-date decreases, according to preliminary data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) based on U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

The United States imported 2.092 million net tons (NT) of steel in June, including 1.457 million NT of finished steel. Compared with May, total steel imports fell 4.3%, while finished steel imports declined 6.9%.

For the first six months of 2026, total steel imports were down 22.9% from the same period in 2025, while finished steel imports dropped 24.5%. Over the 12-month period from July 2025 through June 2026, total imports decreased 22.0% year over year, with finished steel imports falling 25.9%.

AISI estimated that finished steel imports accounted for 17% of the U.S. market in June, bringing the year-to-date finished steel import market share to 16%.

Despite the overall decline, several product categories recorded higher import volumes in June. Imports of line pipe surged 94% from May, followed by hot-rolled sheet (+28%), other metallic-coated sheet and strip (+19%), and structural pipe and tubing (+18%). Over the latest 12-month period, heavy structural shapes was the only major product category to post a notable increase, rising 28% compared with the previous 12 months.

South Korea remained the largest steel supplier to the U.S. in June, exporting 422,000 NT, an increase of 6% from May. Canada ranked second with 294,000 NT (+4%), followed by Brazil with 245,000 NT (-26%), Mexico with 191,000 NT (+4%), and Vietnam with 151,000 NT (+6%).

Looking at the 12-month period ending in June 2026, Canada remained the largest supplier with 3.288 million NT, although shipments declined 44% from the previous 12 months. South Korea followed with 3.205 million NT, up 17%, while Brazil supplied 3.049 million NT (-33%). Mexico exported 2.165 million NT (-35%), and Vietnam shipped 1.139 million NT, down 2%.

The latest figures indicate that U.S. steel imports remain well below year-ago levels despite selective gains in certain product categories, with finished imports continuing to represent a relatively modest share of the domestic market.

Source: AISI

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. steel imports continued to weaken in June, with year-to-date volumes down more than 22%, although imports of several energy and construction-related steel products posted month-on-month growth.