AISI: U.S. Steel Imports Rise 7.4% in July From June

U.S. steel imports increased in July 2026, with total imports rising 7.4% from June to 2.26 million net tons, while finished steel imports increased 6.3% to 1.56 million net tons, according to preliminary U.S. Census Bureau data reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Despite the monthly increase, steel imports remained below 2025 levels. Total steel imports fell 19.6% year to date through July, while finished steel imports declined 22.1%. Over the 12 months from August 2025 through July 2026, total and finished steel imports were down 21.6% and 25.3%, respectively, from the preceding 12-month period.

Finished steel accounted for an estimated 17% of the U.S. market in July. Its estimated market share for the first seven months of 2026 was 16%.

Several product categories recorded sharp monthly increases. Wire rod imports rose 53% in July from June, followed by hot-rolled bars at 52%, oil country goods at 45% and standard pipe at 36%. Over the August 2025-July 2026 period, heavy structural shapes posted a 44% increase compared with the previous 12 months.

South Korea was the largest steel supplier to the U.S. in July, shipping 556,000 net tons, up 32% from June. Canada supplied 280,000 net tons, down 5%, followed by Brazil at 253,000 net tons, up 3%. Mexico supplied 192,000 net tons, while Vietnam accounted for 150,000 net tons.

On a 12-month basis, South Korea remained the largest supplier at 3.43 million net tons, up 20% from the previous period. Canada supplied 3.27 million net tons, down 42%, while Brazil shipped 3.00 million net tons, down 33%. Mexico and Vietnam supplied 2.10 million and 1.24 million net tons, respectively, with imports from Mexico falling 39% and those from Vietnam rising 9%.

The figures were released by AISI on August 28 as a revised version of its August 27 report. The revision included a minor correction to the 2026 year-to-date total and percentage change.

Source: The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. steel imports increased in July but remained significantly below 2025 levels, with finished steel imports accounting for an estimated 16% of the market year to date.