According to data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), in January-March 2026, the US imported 3.74 million short tons of rolled steel, a 35% decrease compared to the same period last year. Total steel imports, including finished products and semi-finished products, fell by 34.7% year-on-year to 5.09 million tons. Such a decline indicates a noticeable restructuring of external supplies to the American market and serves as a critical signal for the global steel industry, especially for exporters targeting North American markets.
Import Structure and Key Suppliers
The highest volumes of rolled steel imports in the first quarter were in products for the oil industry, rebar, cold-rolled coils, and hot-dipped galvanized sheets. Imports of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) amounted to 338.88 thousand tons, down 36.7% year-on-year. Rebar supplies decreased by 7% to 305.55 thousand tons, cold-rolled coils by 43.4% to 275.34 thousand tons, and hot-dipped galvanized sheets by 52.3% to 272.58 thousand tons.
Among the top steel suppliers to the US in January-March, South Korea led with 882 thousand tons, an increase of 14.2% year-on-year. At the same time, Canada reduced shipments to 728 thousand tons, Brazil to 715 thousand tons, and Mexico to 551 thousand tons. This dynamic shows that the fall in imports is a broad market trend, although individual countries maintain or even increase their presence in the US.
Impact of the Import Decline on the Steel Market and winox.ua Clients
For the global steel market, the contraction of US imports means a potential redistribution of export flows, increased competition in alternative directions, and price pressure in certain segments. This is particularly true for flat products, rebar, and energy sector products, where the US has traditionally remained a key destination. In such conditions, the importance of a reliable supplier that can ensure stable procurement conditions grows for industrial consumers and traders.
This is why market fluctuations reinforce the role of winox.ua as a partner for Ukrainian businesses working with rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals. The company helps clients plan purchases amidst shifting international conditions and ensures reliable deliveries for manufacturing and construction needs. When global trade flows shift and import figures in major markets drop, service predictability and material availability become a competitive advantage.
March Recovery Does Not Change the Overall Quarterly Trend
Despite the sharp annual drop for the quarter, in March 2026, the US increased rolled steel imports by 10.2% compared to February, reaching 1.3 million tons. Total steel imports for the month rose by 5.4% to 1.77 million tons. The most noticeable growth was seen in wire rod, heavy structural shapes, and cold-rolled coils, while supplies of oil industry products and rebar decreased.
In March, Canada, Brazil, and South Korea remained the primary exporters to the US, but the monthly positive dynamic has not yet offset the weak results of the entire first quarter. For market participants, this means the situation should be evaluated not just by short-term monthly fluctuations but primarily by quarterly and annual trends. If the import reduction persists, the global market may see additional supply volumes seeking outlets in other regions.