U.S. steel imports surged in May 2025, increasing 19.6% from April to reach 2,256,042 metric tons (mt), according to preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. However, the total marked a 12.9% decrease compared to May 2024.
In terms of value, steel imports totaled $2.39 billion in May, up from $2.19 billion in April, but significantly lower than the $3.13 billion recorded in May 2024.
Top Steel Import Sources (April 2025):
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Canada: 367,617 mt
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Brazil: 363,553 mt
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South Korea: 283,538 mt
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Mexico: 271,325 mt
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Germany: 97,558 mt
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Vietnam: 88,454 mt
Imports by Product Group (May 2025):
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Semi-finished products: 627,603 mt, up from 412,511 mt in April, and from 546,600 mt in May 2024
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Flat products: 735,940 mt, up from 652,779 mt in April, but down from 1,012,065 mt year-on-year
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Long products: 340,318 mt, up from 318,924 mt in April, and down from 487,757 mt in May 2024
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Pipe and tube products: 460,754 mt, up from 419,399 mt in April, and also up from 450,261 mt in May 2024
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), imports accounted for 20% of the U.S. steel market in May, unchanged from April.
The data reflects continued fluctuations in global steel trade, with volume gains month-over-month but lingering softness compared to 2024 due to market normalization and reduced demand.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group