Steel Imports Up 11.2% in May vs. April

Finished Import Market Share YTD at 16%

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 2,117,000 net tons (NT) of steel in May 2026, including 1,554,000 NT of finished steel (up 11.2% each, respectively, vs. April 2026). Total and finished steel imports are down 26.3% and 26.8%, respectively, year-to-date vs. 2025. Over the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026, total and finished steel imports are down 21.6% and 25.2%, respectively, vs. the prior 12-month period. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 17% in May and is estimated at 16% over the first five months of 2026.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in May compared to April are hot rolled sheets (up 128%), plates in coils (up 78%), oil country goods (up 45%), hot rolled bars (up 29%) and reinforcing bars (up 21%). Products with a significant increase in imports over the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026 compared to the previous 12-month period include heavy structural shapes (up 21%).

In May, the largest suppliers were South Korea (399,000 NT, up 37% vs. April), Brazil (331,000 NT, up 54%), Canada (281,000 NT, up 5%), Mexico (185,000 NT, down 1%) and Japan (142,000 NT, up 91%). Over the 12-month period June 2025 to May 2026, the largest suppliers were Canada (3,340,000 NT, down 45% compared to the previous 12-months), Brazil (3,227,000 NT, down 28%), South Korea (2,964,000 NT, up 7%), Mexico (2,152,000 NT, down 36%) and Japan (1,083,000 NT, down 5%). 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.