The United States imported 2.35 million short tons (2.13 million tonnes) of steel in August 2026, a 3.4% increase from the previous month and marking a two-month winning streak, according to preliminary Census Bureau data.

Of that, finished steel imports stood at 1.60 million short tons, rising 2.2% month on month.

Year-to-date total steel imports fell 15.1% to 15.91 million short tons compared to the first eight months of 2025, while finished steel imports declined 18.5% year on year to 11.34 million short tons.

Several key product categories posted sharp monthly increases in August. Hot-rolled sheets surged 63.5%, followed by plates in coils (31.0%) and hot-dipped galvanized sheets and strip (20.7%).

South Korea remained the largest supplier in August with 407,000 short tons, down 26.8% from July. Brazil followed with 351,000 short tons (+38.8% MoM), Canada with 296,000 short tons (+5.8%), and Mexico with 254,000 short tons (+31.8%).

Over the January-August period, South Korea led all suppliers with 2.96 million short tons, rising 51.4% year on year, while steel imports from second-ranked Canada declined 37.0% to 2.15 million short tons.