Steel Imports Down 12.6% In 2025

Finished Import Market Share at 18%

Washington, D.C. – Based on final Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported today that the U.S. imported a total of 1,577,000 net tons (NT) of steel in December 2025, including 1,160,000 net tons (NT) of finished steel (down 3.8% and up 6.9%, respectively, vs. November 2025). Full year 2025 total and finished steel imports were 25,241,000 and 18,665,000 net tons (NT), down 12.6% and 17.1%, respectively, vs. 2024. Finished steel import market share was an estimated 14% in December and is estimated at 18% for full year 2025.

Key steel products with a significant import increase in December compared to November are reinforcing bars (up 135%), cut lengths plates (up 68%), plates in coils (up 45%), hot rolled bars (up 39%) and heavy structural shapes (up 37%). Products with a significant increase in imports for the full year of 2025 vs. 2024 include tin plate (up 24%), line pipe (up 19%), wire rods (up 13%) and oil country goods (up 13%).

In December, the largest suppliers were Brazil (257,000 NT, up 4% vs. November), Canada (234,000 NT, down 9%), South Korea (167,000 NT, up 1%), Mexico (137,000 NT, down 17%) and Japan (109,000 NT, up 53%). For full year 2025 the largest suppliers were Canada (4,524,000 NT, down 31% vs 2024), Brazil (4,126,000 NT, down 8%), Mexico (2,823,000 NT, down 20%), South Korea (2,662,000 NT, down 5%) and Germany (1,128,000 NT, up 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.