Steel imports fall 9.6pct YoY in Jan-Sep 2026

US steel imports declined by 9.6pct YoY to 18.36 mln net tons (16.66 mln metric tons) in January-September 2026, according to preliminary Census Bureau data reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Finished steel imports fell by 13.8pct YoY to 13 mln net tons (11.8 mln metric tons), while finished steel's share of the US market was estimated at 16pct over the first nine months.

In September, total steel imports decreased by 2.9pct month-on-month to 2.36 mln net tons (2.14 mln metric tons). However, finished steel imports increased by 1.1pct MoM to 1.64 mln net tons (1.49 mln metric tons).

South Korea was the largest steel supplier in September, shipping 519,000 net tons (471,000 metric tons), up 21.1pct from August. Brazil supplied 349,000 net tons (317,000 metric tons), down 0.6pct, followed by Mexico at 267,000 net tons (242,000 metric tons), up 5.2pct, Canada at 256,000 net tons (232,000 metric tons), down 13.4pct, and Japan at 165,000 net tons (150,000 metric tons), up 60.3pct.

From the MENA region, US steel imports from Turkey increased by 10pct MoM to 92,000 net tons (83,500 metric tons) in September, bringing the January-September total to 515,000 net tons (467,000 metric tons), up 42.1pct YoY. Imports from the UAE fell by 90.2pct MoM to 5,000 net tons (4,500 metric tons) in September, while shipments in January-September declined by 34.7pct YoY to 198,000 net tons (180,000 metric tons).

Among products, imports of standard rails rose by 187pct MoM in September, while tool steel imports increased by 116pct, galvanized sheets and strip by 95pct, and railroad accessories by 55pct.