AISI: U.S. Steel Imports Rise 3.4% in August, Finished Import Share at 16% YTD

U.S. steel imports increased 3.4% month over month in August 2026, reaching 2.35 million net tons, according to preliminary Census Bureau data reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Finished steel imports rose 2.2% to approximately 1.60 million net tons.

Despite the monthly increase, imports remained below year-earlier levels. Total steel imports fell 15.1% year to date through August, while finished steel imports declined 18.5%. Over the 12 months through August, total and finished imports were down 18.4% and 22.8%, respectively, compared with the previous 12-month period.

Finished steel imports accounted for an estimated 17.5% of the U.S. market in August and 16% over the first eight months of 2026.

Several product categories recorded substantial monthly increases. Imports of hot-rolled sheets rose 64% from July, plates in coils increased 31%, and hot-dipped galvanized sheets and strip climbed 21%. Over the latest 12-month period, imports of heavy structural shapes increased 55% compared with the preceding year.

South Korea was the largest supplier in August at 407,000 net tons, although shipments fell 27% from July. Brazil supplied 351,000 net tons, up 39%, while imports from Canada increased 6% to 296,000 net tons. Mexico’s shipments rose 32% to 254,000 net tons, and Vietnam supplied 159,000 net tons, up 4%.

For the 12 months through August, South Korea led suppliers at 3.66 million net tons, up 32% year over year. Canada supplied 3.23 million net tons, down 41%, followed by Brazil at 3.08 million net tons, down 28%; Mexico at 2.16 million net tons, down 37%; and Vietnam at 1.31 million net tons, up 22%.

Source: The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: U.S. steel imports rose 3.4% in August from July, but total and finished imports remained down year over year, with finished steel accounting for an estimated 16% of the market through the first eight months of 2026.