U.S. steel imports increased in July 2026, according to preliminary U.S. Census Bureau data reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The United States imported a total of 2,260,147 net tons (NT) of steel during the month, including 1,561,961 NT of finished steel.

Compared with June 2026, total U.S. steel imports increased 7.4%, while finished steel imports rose 6.3%.

Despite the monthly increase, steel import volumes remain substantially below 2025 levels. Year-to-date, total steel imports are down 33.0%, while finished steel imports have declined 34.6% compared with the same period in 2025.

Over the 12-month period from August 2025 through July 2026, total steel imports decreased 21.6%, and finished steel imports fell 25.3% compared with the previous 12-month period.

Finished steel import market share was estimated at 17% in July and 16% for the first seven months of 2026.

Steel Products Showing the Largest Import Increases

Several steel product categories recorded significant month-over-month import growth in July. Wire rod imports increased 53%, while hot rolled bar imports rose 52%. Imports of oil country goods increased 45%, and standard pipe imports climbed 36% compared with June.

Looking at the longer-term trend, heavy structural shapes showed a significant increase, with imports rising 44% during the August 2025 through July 2026 period compared with the previous 12 months.

Largest U.S. Steel Import Suppliers in July 2026

South Korea was the largest supplier of imported steel to the United States in July, shipping 556,000 NT, an increase of 32% from June.

Other major steel suppliers included Canada at 280,000 NT, down 5%; Brazil at 253,000 NT, up 3%; Mexico at 192,000 NT, up 0.3%; and Vietnam at 150,000 NT, down 0.4%.

Over the 12-month period from August 2025 through July 2026, the five largest suppliers were:

• South Korea: 3,430,000 NT, up 20%
• Canada: 3,268,000 NT, down 42%
• Brazil: 3,001,000 NT, down 33%
• Mexico: 2,103,000 NT, down 39%
• Vietnam: 1,244,000 NT, up 9%

These figures compare with steel import volumes during the previous 12-month period.

The charts below provide additional detail on U.S. steel imports by country and the estimated finished steel import market share in recent months.

Source: Steel.org