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| AISI |
Hot-Dip Galvanized and Oil Industry Products Lead Import Surge
Canada, Brazil, and Mexico Remain Top Steel Suppliers to the US
US steel imports surged by 11.4% in March 2025, reaching 2.49 million tons, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). This increase was driven by strong demand across industrial sectors, particularly in rolled steel products.
Imports of rolled products climbed 11.9% month-over-month, totaling 1.82 million tons. Leading the increase were hot-dip galvanized flat products with 186,110 tons, up 7.4%. Cold-rolled flat products jumped 23.2% to 162,790 tons, while hot-rolled products dipped by 11.5% to 133,180 tons.
Steel products used in the oil and gas industry saw the steepest monthly gain, rising 40.5% to 158,710 tons, indicating surging infrastructure and energy sector demand.
Quarterly Data Reflects Stable Growth
From January to March 2025, the US imported 5.75 million tons of rolled products, a 1.6% increase year-over-year. Total Q1 steel imports reached 7.81 million tons, up 3.6% from the same period in 2024. Despite short-term gains, hot-dip galvanized product imports were down 22.4% year-over-year to 571,280 tons, while oil industry steel imports rose 5.4% to 534,960 tons. Cold-rolled steel increased 4.5% to 486,050 tons.
Major Trade Partners Remain Steady
The US continued to rely on Canada, Brazil, and Mexico as its top steel suppliers. In Q1 2025:
- Canada delivered 1.62 million tons (down 7.8% y/y)
- Brazil exported 1.46 million tons (up 6.9%)
- Mexico increased shipments by 12.9% to 1.14 million tons
In 2024, the US imported 22.5 million tons of rolled steel, rising 3.7% year-over-year. Total steel imports reached 28.86 million tons, up 2.5%.
Despite higher import volumes, US steel production declined 2.4% in 2024 to 79.5 million tons. The US remained a top ten global producer amid a slight 0.9% global output drop, based on data from the World Steel Association.
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