U.S. Steel Imports Declined 4.3% in June 2026
According to preliminary data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the U.S. Census Bureau, total U.S. steel imports continued to decline in June 2026, highlighting an ongoing trend of reduced foreign steel entering the domestic market.
The United States imported approximately 2.09 million net tons (NT) of steel during June, including 1.46 million net tons of finished steel. Compared to May 2026, total steel imports decreased by 4.3%, while finished steel imports fell 6.9%.
Steel Imports Continue to Trail 2025 Levels
Year-to-date, total steel imports are down 22.9% compared to the same period in 2025, with finished steel imports declining 24.5%. Looking at the most recent 12-month period (July 2025 through June 2026), total steel imports dropped 22.0%, while finished steel imports decreased 25.9% compared to the previous year.
Finished steel imports accounted for an estimated 17% of the U.S. market in June and approximately 16% during the first half of 2026.
Steel Products Showing Import Growth
Although overall import volumes declined, several steel product categories experienced notable month-over-month increases in June:
• Line pipe: up 94%
• Hot rolled sheets: up 28%
• Other metallic-coated sheet and strip: up 19%
• Structural pipe and tubing: up 18%
Over the past 12 months, heavy structural shapes also posted strong growth, with imports increasing 28% compared to the previous 12-month period.
Leading Steel Import Sources
South Korea remained the largest supplier of imported steel to the United States in June 2026, followed by Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam.
June import volumes by country included:
• South Korea: 422,000 NT (+6%)
• Canada: 294,000 NT (+4%)
• Brazil: 245,000 NT (-26%)
• Mexico: 191,000 NT (+4%)
• Vietnam: 151,000 NT (+6%)
Over the July 2025 through June 2026 period, Canada, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam remained the five largest steel suppliers to the U.S., although most experienced lower import volumes compared to the previous year.
What These Numbers Mean
The continued decline in steel imports reflects changing market conditions and ongoing shifts within the domestic steel industry. While overall import volumes remain well below 2025 levels, increases in select product categories demonstrate that demand continues to vary depending on the type of steel and end-use application.
Source: Steel.org