AISI: U.S. Steel Shipments Decline in April but Remain Higher Year-on-Year

U.S. steel mills shipped 7.66 million net tons of steel in April 2026, down 6.6% from the previous month but slightly higher than the same period last year, according to data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

The April shipment volume totaled 7,664,757 net tons, compared with 8,204,611 net tons shipped in March 2026. On a year-on-year basis, shipments increased 1.1% from 7,580,635 net tons recorded in April 2025.

The United States remains one of the world’s largest steel-producing and consuming markets, with demand supported by manufacturing, construction, automotive production, energy infrastructure, and public investment projects. Shipment data is widely monitored as an indicator of downstream steel consumption and industrial activity.

Despite the month-on-month decline, cumulative shipments during the first four months of 2026 remained ahead of last year’s pace. Total steel shipments from January through April reached 30.85 million net tons, an increase of 3.6% compared with 29.78 million net tons during the same period in 2025.

The year-to-date figures suggest that underlying steel demand has remained relatively stable despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding global economic growth, manufacturing activity, and raw material markets. Market participants continue to monitor infrastructure spending, energy sector investment, and industrial production trends as key drivers of steel consumption.

Among major product categories, corrosion-resistant sheet and strip recorded the strongest growth during the first four months of the year. Shipments in this segment increased 13% compared with the same period in 2025, reflecting continued demand from automotive, appliance, and construction applications where coated steel products are widely used.

Hot-rolled sheet and strip shipments rose 4% year-on-year, supported by manufacturing and industrial demand. In contrast, cold-rolled sheet and strip shipments declined 4% over the same period, indicating softer demand in some downstream sectors.

The shipment data provides a mixed picture for the U.S. steel market. While monthly volumes eased from March levels, year-to-date growth and strength in key flat-rolled product categories point to continued resilience in domestic steel consumption.

AISI said total shipments for the first four months of 2026 reached nearly 31 million net tons, maintaining positive momentum compared with the previous year despite fluctuations in monthly demand patterns.

Source: AISI

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. steel shipments fell in April from March levels, but year-to-date volumes remained 3.6% higher than 2025, supported by strong demand for corrosion-resistant and hot-rolled steel products.