Global steel giant ArcelorMittal is urging countries across the Americas to strengthen steel import restrictions. Tightened trade controls aim to protect domestic producers from oversupply and price pressures. As a result, regional steel markets may see higher prices and improved margins for local mills.
Americas steel markets face tighter import restrictions
ArcelorMittal highlights that Brazil, Canada, and Mexico need to adopt trade policies similar to the US and EU. The US increased its Section 232 tariff on steel imports to 50% in June 2025, extending duties to derivative products. Meanwhile, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) adds taxes on carbon-intensive imports to favor greener domestic production.
The EU also proposed a steel safeguard quota expected to reduce imports by 10 million tonnes compared with 2024. ArcelorMittal anticipates other governments will implement additional restrictions to maintain competitiveness and protect domestic jobs.
ArcelorMittal projects growth from domestic expansion
ArcelorMittal plans new projects and returning capacity across the Americas in 2026. The Calvert, Alabama electric arc furnace, with 1.5 million tonnes per year capacity, started its first heat in June 2025 and will reach full operation by the end of 2026. In Brazil, a 4.5 million t/yr direct-reduced iron pellet project in Serra Azul is nearing completion, while a 400,000 t/yr steel sections and bar mill in Barra Mansa has started commissioning.
Mexican operations producing 1 million t/yr of long steel and 2.8 million t/yr of flat steel have resumed after fourth-quarter outages. These expansions, combined with tighter imports, are expected to support higher regional steel prices and profitability throughout 2026.
SuperMetalPrice Commentary:
ArcelorMittal’s call signals a broader regional trend toward protectionist steel policies. Tightened import restrictions will likely stabilize prices, encourage domestic investment, and reduce dependency on foreign supply. Investors and market participants should monitor these developments closely, as policy-driven supply constraints may reshape the Americas steel market for years.
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