US Steel Imports Drop 12.6% in 2025; India Shipments Surge 118%

The United States reduced its overall steel imports in 2025, but purchases from India rose sharply, according to newly released trade data.

Figures published on Thursday show that total US steel imports fell 12.6 per cent last year compared to 2024. However, shipments from India increased by more than 118 per cent, indicating a shift in sourcing patterns.

Data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), based on final US Census Bureau statistics, showed that the US imported 25,241,000 net tonnes of steel in 2025. This marked a significant drop from the previous year. Finished steel imports totalled 18,665,000 net tonnes, down 17.1 per cent year-on-year.

In December 2025 alone, the US imported 1,577,000 net tonnes of steel, including 1,160,000 net tonnes of finished steel. Compared to November, total imports declined 3.8 per cent, while finished steel imports rose 6.9 per cent. The finished steel import market share was estimated at 14 per cent in December and 18 per cent for the full year.

India recorded one of the strongest performances among suppliers. The US imported 553,000 net tonnes of steel from India in 2025, up 118.3 per cent from 2024 levels. In December, India shipped 42,000 net tonnes, though this represented a 10.1 per cent decline from the previous month.

Despite the overall decline, Canada remained the largest supplier to the US in 2025, exporting 4,524,000 net tonnes. However, this figure was down 31 per cent from 2024. Brazil followed with 4,126,000 net tonnes, down 8 per cent. Mexico supplied 2,823,000 net tonnes, a 19.7 per cent decrease, while South Korea shipped 2,662,000 net tonnes, down 5.3 per cent. Germany was among the few countries to record growth, exporting 1,128,000 net tonnes, up 5 per cent year-on-year.

In December, Brazil was the top monthly supplier at 257,000 net tonnes, up 4.1 per cent from November. Canada delivered 234,000 net tonnes, down 9 per cent. South Korea supplied 167,000 net tonnes, up 1.3 per cent, while Mexico sent 137,000 net tonnes, down 17.4 per cent. Japan recorded a strong monthly increase, shipping 109,000 net tonnes, up 52.6 per cent.

Several product categories saw notable month-on-month growth in December. Imports of reinforcing bars rose 135 per cent. Cut lengths of plates increased 68 per cent, while plates in coils were up 44.6 per cent. Hot-rolled bars climbed 38.9 per cent and heavy structural shapes increased 37.3 per cent.

On an annual basis, tin plate imports rose 24.3 per cent in 2025 compared with 2024. Line pipe imports increased 18.5 per cent, wire rods 13.2 per cent, and oil country goods 12.6 per cent.

Steel continues to play a critical role in infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, construction and energy systems. The decline in overall imports reflects ongoing adjustments in trade flows and supply chains. At the same time, India’s strong growth in shipments highlights its expanding presence in the US steel market.