Steel Imports Up 0.8% In February vs. January

March 25, 2026

Finished Import Market Share YTD at 15%

Washington, D.C. – Based on preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the U.S. imported a total of 1,663,000 net tons (NT) of steel in February 2026, including 1,171,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 0.8% and down 6.2%, respectively, vs. January 2026). Total and finished steel imports are down 37.6% and 38.5%, respectively, year-to-date vs. 2025. Over the 12-month period March 2025 to February 2026, total and finished steel imports are down 20.3% and 24.7%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 15% in February and is estimated at 15% over the first two months of 2026.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in February compared to January are line pipe (up 51%), hot rolled bars (up 30%), blooms, billets and slabs (up 23%) and oil country goods (up 21%).

In February, the largest suppliers were South Korea (305,000 NT, up 7% vs. January), Brazil (247,000 NT, up 39%), Canada (225,000 NT, up 3%), Mexico (175,000 NT, down 25%) and Japan (141,000 NT, up 236%). Over the 12-month period March 2025 to February 2026, the largest suppliers were Canada (3,838,000 NT, down 41% vs, compared to the previous 12-months), Brazil (3,518,000 NT, down 23%), South Korea (2,732,000 NT, down 7%), Mexico (2,483,000 NT, down 30%) and Germany (1,047,000 NT, down 6%). Below are charts on steel imports by country and estimated finished steel import market share in recent months.

View the full statistical report here.

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Contact: Lisa Harrison

202.452.7115 / lharrison@steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers, steel pipe and tube manufacturers and steel processors and fabricators, reflecting the production and distribution of both carbon and stainless steels. These steels are critical to America’s national and economic security, including roads and bridges, buildings, the electrical grid, cars and trucks and all clean energy technologies. AISI also represents associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@AISISteel) or Instagram.