AISI Releases February Steel Import Data

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has released the February steel import data, based on the latest Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) report from the U.S. Department of Commerce. According to the AISI, steel import permit applications for February 2025 totaled 2,137,000 net tons (NT), representing a 26.4% decrease compared to the 2,904,000 NT recorded in January. This also marks a 30.4% drop from the final 3,072,000 NT of steel imports in January.

The data indicates a significant decrease in the import of finished steel, with February permits totaling 1,566,000 NT, down 32.1% from the final imports total of 2,307,000 NT in January. This marks a notable shift in the U.S. steel import market, showing a reduction in total and finished steel imports compared to the previous month.

Despite the February downturn, the overall steel import figures for the first two months of 2025 show an increase. Total steel imports for January and February reached 5,209,000 NT, marking a 3.8% increase from the same period in 2024. Finished steel imports during this time amounted to 3,874,000 NT, up 5.8% from last year.

According to AISI, the market share of finished steel imports in February was estimated to be 21%, and the year-to-date (YTD) finished steel market share stands at 24%. These figures underscore the significant role of imported steel in meeting U.S. demand, even as domestic production continues to stabilize.

Growth in Specific Steel Products

Several steel products experienced notable increases in import permits during February compared to January’s final imports. Among them, electrical sheet and strip imports surged by 135%, while standard rail and sheets and strip electrolytic galvanized both saw increases of 77%. Other products showing increases included ingots and steel for castings (up 52%) and tool steel (up 25%). These increases reflect shifting demands in the U.S. steel market, as industries seek specialized products to meet their manufacturing needs.

For the first two months of 2025, several steel products have shown strong year-to-date growth compared to the same period last year. Tin plate imports have seen a dramatic rise of 101%, followed by line pipe (up 60%), reinforcing bars (up 50%), wire rods (up 29%), and plates in coils (up 24%).

Leading Suppliers of Steel Imports

February saw Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan as the top five steel import sources to the United States. Canada remained the largest supplier, with import permits of 455,000 NT, though this represents a 30% decline from the January figures. Brazil’s imports dropped 30% to 412,000 NT, while Mexico saw a 36% decrease, importing 303,000 NT of steel. South Korea’s imports dropped by 41%, totaling 194,000 NT, while Japan saw a slight 10% increase, with imports of 107,000 NT.

For the year-to-date period, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico remained the largest suppliers of steel to the U.S. Canada supplied 1,103,000 NT of steel (down 5%), Brazil provided 998,000 NT (up 2%), and Mexico’s imports totaled 775,000 NT (up 7%).

The February 2025 data from AISI highlights significant fluctuations in the U.S. steel import market, with a marked reduction in total import permits but ongoing growth in specific steel products. Despite these declines, the U.S. remains reliant on imports to fulfill its demand for steel products, as evidenced by the strong performance of certain steel categories. As the year progresses, the U.S. will continue to monitor these trends, particularly the shifts in import volumes from key supplier countries like Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.