Steel Imports Up 5.4% In March vs. February

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 1,769,000 net tons (NT) of steel in March 2026, including 1,306,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (up 5.4% and 10.2%, respectively, vs. February 2026). Total and finished steel imports are down 34.7% and 35.0%, respectively, year-to-date vs. 2025. Over the 12-month period April 2025 to March 2026, total and finished steel imports are down 22.7% and 26.3%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 16% in March and is estimated at 15% over the first three months of 2026.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in March compared to February are plates in coils (up 165%), cut lengths plates (up 143%), hot rolled sheets (up 70%), heavy structural shapes (up 48%) and wire drawn (up 40%).

In March, the largest suppliers were South Korea (292,000 NT, down 4% vs. February), Brazil (291,000 NT, up 18%), Canada (285,000 NT, up 27%), Vietnam (177,000 NT, up 160%) and Mexico (141,000 NT, down 20%). Over the 12-month period April 2025 to March 2026, the largest suppliers were Canada (3,628,000 NT, down 44% vs, compared to the previous 12-months), Brazil (3,381,000 NT, down 26%), South Korea (2,771,000 NT, down 3%), Mexico (2,235,000 NT, down 39%) and Japan (1,034,000 NT, down 13%). Below are charts on steel imports by country and estimated finished steel import market share in recent months.

Read 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.