US Steel Imports Decline by 16.8% in August 2025: Analyzing the Drop in Rolled Steel Products

US Steel Imports Drop Significantly in August 2025

In August 2025, the US saw a notable 16.8% drop in total steel imports, as reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The decline was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in rolled steel imports, which fell to 1.402 million tonnes. This slump in imports is a continuation of a downward trend in the steel market, with the total volume of steel imports for the month also dropping by 16.8%, totaling 1.86 million tonnes.

This fall in steel imports included various categories, but the most significant reductions were in cold-rolled coils and hot-dip galvanized steel. Cold-rolled coil imports plummeted by 31.8% to 92,330 tonnes, while hot-dip galvanized steel saw a 17.2% decrease, reaching 128,000 tonnes. However, some categories, such as wire rod, experienced an uptick of 5.6%, with imports rising to 120,810 tonnes.

Year-to-Date Import Data: A Broader View of the Trend

Looking at the year-to-date data, the US reduced its rolled steel imports by 10.6% compared to 2024. Imports reached 13.897 million tonnes through August. Total steel imports for the year also fell by 7%, amounting to 18.729 million tonnes. These reductions are linked to lower volumes of cold-rolled flat products (-17.2%) and hot-dip galvanized steel (-39.8%).

The main sources of steel imports to the US in the first eight months of 2025 were Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Canada provided 3.41 million tonnes, Brazil 3.15 million tonnes, and Mexico 2.22 million tonnes. All three countries experienced a decline in export volumes. Canada’s shipments dropped by 24.5% year-on-year.

Steel Trade Dynamics and Global Context

US steel imports rose by 3.7% in 2024, reaching 22.5 million tonnes of rolled steel. This increase occurred despite a relatively stagnant steel production environment. In 2024, US steel production declined by 2.4%, totaling 79.5 million tonnes, while global steel production fell by 0.9%, reaching 1.84 billion tonnes. The US continues to rank among the top 10 steel producers globally, according to World Steel.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The decline in US steel imports signals a shift in market dynamics, particularly in rolled steel products. Factors such as reduced domestic production, high prices, and global supply chain shifts likely influenced these figures. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions and the impact of international steel tariffs could have contributed to the drop. As the US steel market adjusts to these changes, manufacturers and traders will need to monitor both domestic and international steel supply closely. This evolving trade situation points to continued volatility in the steel market, potentially driving prices higher as the year progresses.