AISI: U.S. Steel Imports Decline 27.2% in February Compared to January

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) released data on U.S. steel imports for February 2025, showing a substantial decline in steel imports compared to January 2025. According to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the total steel imports in February amounted to 2,235,000 net tons (NT), marking a 27.2% decrease from January. Among these, finished steel imports reached 1,623,000 net tons, down 29.6% from the previous month.

However, despite the February decline, year-to-date data for 2025 indicates an overall increase in steel imports compared to the same period in 2024. Total steel imports have increased by 5.7%, compared to last year. Over the 12-month period from March 2024 to February 2025, the U.S. imported 3.1% more total steel and 5.4% more finished steel than in the previous 12-month period.

Significant Product Imports and Growth Areas

Among steel products, cut length plates saw a notable increase in imports, rising by 19% from January to February 2025. This indicates a shift in the types of steel being imported, with demand for specific products on the rise.

Over the longer term, several product categories have experienced significant year-over-year growth from March 2024 to February 2025 compared to the previous period. Key products with the largest increases include:

Tin plate: up 55%.

Sheets and strips (all other metallic coated): up 33%.

Hot-dipped galvanized sheets and strips: up 28%.

Wire rods: up 24%.

Cold-rolled sheets: up 22%.

These increases highlight strong demand for certain steel products, particularly those used in industries such as automotive manufacturing, construction, and electrical components.

Imports by Country

In February 2025, the largest steel suppliers to the U.S. were:

Canada: 481,000 net tons, down 26% from January

Brazil: 445,000 net tons, down 24%.

Mexico: 279,000 net tons, down 41%.

South Korea: 194,000 net tons, down 41%.

Japan: 114,000 net tons, up 18%.

Looking at the year-long period from March 2024 to February 2025, the largest suppliers of steel to the U.S. were:

Canada: 6,523,000 net tons, down 6%.

Brazil: 4,555,000 net tons, up 9%.

Mexico: 3,545,000 net tons, down 13%.

South Korea: 2,948,000 net tons, up 11%.

Vietnam: 1,298,000 net tons, up 103%.

Vietnam’s remarkable surge in exports to the U.S. is particularly noteworthy, with a 103% increase over the past 12 months. This suggests growing steel production capabilities in Vietnam and its increasing competitiveness in the global steel market.

While February 2025 saw a significant drop in steel imports compared to January, the overall trend for the year remains positive. With rising demand for specific steel products and growing market share for finished steel, the U.S. steel market continues to show strength. The ongoing increase in imports from key suppliers such as Brazil, South Korea, and Vietnam underscores the dynamic nature of the global steel trade and its impact on the U.S. market. Moving forward, market dynamics—including trade agreements and global supply chain developments—will continue to shape the landscape of U.S. steel imports.

To view the full report, please visit https://www.steel.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMP2502.pdf