AISI: U.S. Steel Import Permits Rise in March, but Year-to-Date Volumes Decline Sharply

The American Iron and Steel Institute reported that U.S. steel import permit applications increased in March 2026, signaling a short-term rebound despite a steep year-on-year decline in overall import volumes.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Commerce Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system, total steel import permits reached 1.77 million net tons in March, up 6.6% from February levels. Finished steel imports rose more sharply, climbing 10.8% month-on-month to 1.31 million net tons.

Despite the monthly gains, the broader trend remains significantly lower. For the first quarter of 2026, total steel imports fell 34.7% year over year to 5.1 million net tons, while finished steel imports declined 34.9% to 3.75 million net tons.

Finished steel import market share was estimated at 16% in March and 15% year-to-date, reflecting a reduced reliance on imported material amid shifting trade dynamics and domestic production trends.

Several product categories recorded notable increases in March compared to February final import levels, including plates in coils, cut-length plates, hot-rolled sheets and wire-drawn products. On a year-to-date basis, tin-free steel was among the few categories posting growth.

By country, South Korea remained the largest source of U.S. steel imports in March, followed by Brazil and Canada. Vietnam saw the sharpest monthly increase, while imports from Mexico declined.

On a year-to-date basis, South Korea maintained its position as the top supplier, while imports from Canada and Brazil fell significantly compared to the same period in 2025.

The data highlights a market adjusting to evolving trade policies, demand patterns and domestic capacity shifts, with short-term fluctuations occurring within a broader contraction in import volumes.

Source: AISI

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. steel imports showed a modest rebound in March, but remain significantly lower year over year, reflecting ongoing shifts toward domestic supply and changing trade dynamics.