AISI: U.S. Steel Imports Rise 5.9% in April from March, Finished Share Holds at 15% YTD

The United States imported 1.874 million net tons of steel in April 2026, up 5.9% from March, according to preliminary Census Bureau data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Finished steel imports rose 5.5% month-on-month to 1.378 million net tons.

Despite the monthly increase, overall import volumes remain well below last year’s levels. Total steel imports were down 29.5% year-to-date compared with the same period in 2025, while finished steel imports declined 30.5% over the same timeframe.

AISI estimated finished steel import market share at 16% in April, compared with an estimated 15% across the first four months of 2026.

The April uptick was driven by gains across several product categories. Tin plate imports recorded the sharpest increase, rising 126% from March. Other notable gains included sheet and strip with other metallic coatings (up 56%), reinforcing bars (up 46%), cold rolled sheets (up 39%) and hot rolled bars (up 30%).

On the supplier side, South Korea remained the largest exporter to the U.S. in April at 291,000 net tons, broadly unchanged from March. Canada followed at 268,000 net tons, down 6%, while Brazil shipped 215,000 net tons, a 26% decline. Mexico and Vietnam showed mixed trends, with Mexico up 33% to 187,000 net tons and Vietnam down 31% to 123,000 net tons.

Over the 12-month period from May 2025 to April 2026, Canada remained the top supplier with 3.463 million net tons, though volumes were down 45% compared with the prior period. Brazil followed at 3.297 million net tons, down 27%, while South Korea recorded a slight increase of 2% to 2.878 million net tons.

AISI did not attribute the monthly increase to specific market drivers, but import flows continue to reflect shifting demand patterns across key downstream sectors including construction, manufacturing, and automotive supply chains.

Source: AISI

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. steel imports edged higher in April, though year-to-date volumes remain sharply lower amid continued market adjustment and shifting global trade flows.