AISI: U.S. Steel Import Share Holds at 15% in February as SIMA Data Shows Mixed Trends

According to data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), steel import permit applications in February totaled 1.651 million net tons (NT), based on the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system. The volume represents a 5.2% increase compared with January permit levels and remains broadly in line with final import figures recorded for the previous month.

Finished steel imports, however, showed a decline in February. Permit applications for finished products reached 1.189 million NT, down 4.8% from January’s final total of 1.249 million NT. Despite this decrease, the estimated market share for finished steel imports remained stable at 15% for both February and the year-to-date period.

Cumulative figures for the first two months of 2026 indicate a significant year-on-year contraction in import volumes. Total steel imports reached 3.3 million NT, while finished steel imports totaled 2.438 million NT, representing declines of 37.9% and 38.0%, respectively, compared with the same period a year earlier. The data suggests continued weakness in import demand or tighter trade flows relative to prior-year levels.

At the product level, several categories recorded notable increases in February compared with January’s final import volumes. Structural pipe and tubing imports rose by 41%, while hot-rolled bars and line pipe both increased by 31%. Imports of blooms, billets and slabs climbed 15%, and wire rods were up 14%, indicating stronger demand across selected semi-finished and long steel segments.

Year-to-date trends also point to growth in specific product categories. Tin-free steel imports increased by 15% compared with the same period in the previous year, while heavy structural shapes saw a 13% rise. These gains suggest pockets of resilience in certain downstream applications despite the broader decline in total volumes.

In terms of country-level supply, South Korea remained the largest source of steel imports in February, with permit volumes of 291,000 NT, up 2% from January. Canada followed with 231,000 NT, an increase of 6%, while Brazil recorded 226,000 NT, up 28%. Imports from Mexico declined by 26% to 175,000 NT, while Japan saw a sharp increase of 203% to 127,000 NT.

For the year-to-date period through February, South Korea also led as the largest supplier with 576,000 NT, reflecting an 11% increase. Canada and Mexico followed with 450,000 NT and 410,000 NT, respectively, though both countries recorded substantial declines of 60% and 46% compared with the prior year.

The SIMA data provides an early indication of import trends, as permit applications typically precede actual arrivals. Market participants often use the figures to gauge shifts in trade flows, demand conditions, and the potential impact of trade policies on the U.S. steel market.

Source: AISI

SUNSHINE Spotlight: February SIMA data shows stable import market share but continued year-on-year declines in U.S. steel imports, with selective product categories and suppliers providing signs of resilience.