United States imported a total of 2.481 mln tons of steel in May 2025, including 1.77 mln tons of finished steel, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau, as reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). These figures represent month-on-month increases of 19.5pct for total steel imports and 10.4pct for finished steel imports compared to April 2025.
However, despite the strong monthly performance, cumulative figures for the first five months of 2025 showed a decline. Total steel imports dropped by 6.2pct YoY to 12.37 mln tons, while finished steel imports fell by 8.4pct to 9.14 mln tons. Finished steel import market share was estimated at 20pct in May and averaged around 21pct over the January-May period.
Several steel product categories recorded notable import growth in May compared to the previous month. These included plates in coils, which rose by 70pct, sheets and strips with other metallic coatings, which increased by 66pct, and both blooms, billets and slabs, and hot-rolled sheets, which saw a 51pct rise. Line pipe imports also climbed significantly, up 48pct from April.
Canada remained the largest supplier in May with 405,000 tons, although this represented a 6pct decline from April. Brazil followed closely with 401,000 tons, up 34pct month-on-month. South Korea supplied 313,000 tons, marking a 69pct increase, while imports from Mexico jumped 92pct to 299,000 tons. Taiwan contributed 108,000 tons, a 5pct rise from the previous month.
