Finished Import Market Share YTD at 15%
According to preliminary Census Bureau data, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that the United States imported a total of 1.874 million net tons (NT) of steel in April 2026, including 1.378 million NT of finished steel. Compared to March 2026, total steel imports increased 5.9%, while finished steel imports rose 5.5%.
Despite the month-over-month increase, year-to-date steel imports remain significantly lower than 2025 levels. Total steel imports are down 29.5% through the first four months of 2026, while finished steel imports have declined 30.5% during the same period. Looking at the rolling 12-month period from May 2025 through April 2026, total steel imports decreased 21.5% and finished steel imports fell 25.8% compared to the previous 12-month period.
Finished steel import market share was estimated at 16% in April and currently sits at approximately 15% year-to-date for 2026.
Several steel product categories experienced notable import increases in April compared to March. Tin plate imports led the way with a 126% increase, followed by sheet and strip all other metallic coatings (up 56%), reinforcing bars (up 46%), cold rolled sheets (up 39%), and hot rolled bars (up 30%).
South Korea remained the largest steel supplier to the United States in April at 291,000 NT, remaining unchanged from March levels. Canada followed with 268,000 NT, down 6%, while Brazil imported 215,000 NT, down 26%. Mexico saw a significant increase to 187,000 NT, up 33%, while Vietnam supplied 123,000 NT, down 31%.
Over the past 12 months, Canada remained the leading supplier of steel imports into the U.S. with 3.463 million NT, though volumes declined 45% compared to the prior 12-month period. Brazil followed with 3.297 million NT, down 27%, while South Korea imported 2.878 million NT, marking a 2% increase. Mexico supplied 2.266 million NT, down 33%, and Vietnam imported 1.071 million NT, down 11%.
The latest steel import data highlights ongoing shifts within the global steel market as manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers continue adjusting to changing demand, pricing pressures, and international trade conditions.
Source: Steel.org