Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Feb 20: The United States imported less steel overall in 2025, but shipments from India saw a dramatic surge, highlighting a shift in sourcing patterns.

Data released Thursday by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), based on final Census Bureau figures, showed total US steel imports fell 12.6% last year to 25.24 million net tonnes. Finished steel imports dropped even more sharply, down 17.1% to 18.67 million net tonnes. Finished steel’s market share was 18% for the year, with December alone recording 14%.

India’s exports stood out amid the general decline. The US imported 553,000 net tonnes from India in 2025—a remarkable 118% increase compared with 2024. In December, shipments from India were 42,000 net tonnes, down slightly from November.

Canada remained the largest overall supplier at 4.52 million net tonnes, despite a 31% decline from 2024. Other major sources included Brazil (4.13 million, down 8%), Mexico (2.82 million, down 19.7%), South Korea (2.66 million, down 5.3%), and Germany (1.13 million, up 5%). In December, Brazil led monthly shipments with 257,000 net tonnes, followed by Canada (234,000), South Korea (167,000), Mexico (137,000), and Japan (109,000, up 52.6% month-on-month).

Certain product categories recorded sharp month-on-month gains in December: reinforcing bars (+135%), cut lengths of plates (+68%), plates in coils (+44.6%), hot-rolled bars (+38.9%), and heavy structural shapes (+37.3%). On an annual basis, imports of tin plate (+24.3%), line pipe (+18.5%), wire rods (+13.2%), and oil country goods (+12.6%) all rose.

Steel continues to play a key role in US infrastructure, automotive, energy, and construction sectors. The overall decline in imports reflects trade and supply chain dynamics, while India’s rapid growth signals its increasing influence in the US steel market.