The United States saw a 12.6% drop in steel imports in 2025, with a notable increase in imports from India. Data from the American Iron and Steel Institute revealed a significant shift in sourcing, as US steel imports decreased overall but spiked from India by over 118%.
In December 2025, the US imported 1,577,000 net tonnes of steel, including 1,160,000 net tonnes of finished steel. This marked a 3.8% decrease in total imports compared to November, while finished steel imports rose by 6.9%.
India’s performance stood out with the US importing 553,000 net tonnes of steel from India in 2025, a remarkable 118.3% surge from the previous year.
Canada remained the top supplier to the US in 2025, despite a 31% decline from 2024. Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea also experienced decreases in their steel exports to the US, while Germany saw a 5% increase.
In December, Brazil led as the top supplier with 257,000 net tonnes, followed by Canada, South Korea, Mexico, and Japan. Some product categories witnessed significant month-on-month rises, such as reinforcing bars jumping 135% and cut lengths of plates rising by 68%.
Steel imports play a crucial role in various industries like infrastructure, automobiles, and construction. The surge in Indian steel shipments to the US highlights India’s expanding presence in the market.
