Steel Imports – US Cuts Global Purchases as India Gains Ground
Steel Imports – The United States reduced its steel purchases from international markets in 2025, but shipments from India moved sharply in the opposite direction, marking a notable change in trade flows.
Overall Imports Decline Through the Year
According to newly released data from the American Iron and Steel Institute, based on final figures from the United States Census Bureau, total steel imports into the US dropped 12.6 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year.
In December 2025 alone, the US brought in 1,577,000 net tonnes of steel, including 1,160,000 net tonnes of finished products. While overall imports in December slipped 3.8 percent compared with November, finished steel imports rose 6.9 percent over the same period.
For the full calendar year, the contraction was more pronounced. The US imported 25,241,000 net tonnes of steel in 2025, down from 2024 levels. Finished steel imports totalled 18,665,000 net tonnes, marking a year-on-year decline of 17.1 percent. Finished steel accounted for an estimated 14 percent of the market in December and 18 percent over the entire year.
India Records Sharp Increase in Shipments
Against this broader slowdown, India emerged as a significant outlier. The US imported 553,000 net tonnes of steel from India during 2025, representing a rise of 118.3 percent compared with the previous year.
In December, however, Indian shipments moderated. The US received 42,000 net tonnes from India that month, reflecting a 10.1 percent decline from November. Despite the month-to-month dip, the annual figures highlight India’s expanding presence in the American steel market.
Canada Remains Leading Supplier Despite Drop
Canada continued to hold its position as the largest overall steel supplier to the United States in 2025, delivering 4,524,000 net tonnes. However, this represented a 31 percent decrease from 2024 levels.
Brazil ranked second with 4,126,000 net tonnes, down 8 percent year-on-year. Mexico supplied 2,823,000 net tonnes, a decline of 19.7 percent, while South Korea shipped 2,662,000 net tonnes, down 5.3 percent. Germany was among the few countries to post growth, exporting 1,128,000 net tonnes to the US, up 5 percent from the previous year.
December Supplier Rankings Shift
In December, Brazil was the top exporter to the US, sending 257,000 net tonnes, a 4.1 percent increase from November. Canada followed with 234,000 net tonnes, though its shipments fell 9 percent month-on-month.
South Korea supplied 167,000 net tonnes, up 1.3 percent, while Mexico’s exports dropped 17.4 percent to 137,000 net tonnes. Japan recorded one of the strongest monthly gains, shipping 109,000 net tonnes, a rise of 52.6 percent compared with November.
Product Categories Show Mixed Trends
Certain steel products recorded significant increases in December compared with the previous month. Imports of reinforcing bars surged 135 percent. Cut lengths of plates climbed 68 percent, and plates in coils rose 44.6 percent. Hot-rolled bars increased 38.9 percent, while heavy structural shapes were up 37.3 percent.
On an annual basis, several product categories also expanded in 2025 despite the overall decline in total imports. Tin plate imports rose 24.3 percent compared with 2024. Line pipe increased 18.5 percent, wire rods gained 13.2 percent, and oil country tubular goods advanced 12.6 percent year-on-year.
Strategic Importance of Steel Trade
Steel plays a critical role in sectors such as infrastructure development, automotive manufacturing, energy production, and construction. As a result, shifts in import patterns are closely watched by policymakers and industry participants.
The latest data indicate that while overall US steel imports contracted in 2025, sourcing patterns are evolving. India’s substantial growth in shipments highlights its rising role in the US market, even as traditional suppliers recorded declines.