Washington, February 20 – In a striking twist for global trade dynamics, the United States saw a sharp decline in overall steel imports in 2025, yet shipments from India skyrocketed by over 118 percent. Fresh data released Thursday by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), drawing from final Census Bureau figures, paints a picture of shifting sourcing patterns amid economic pressures.
Total US steel imports plummeted 12.6 percent year-over-year to 25,241,000 net tons, with finished steel imports dropping even more steeply by 17.1 percent to 18,665,000 net tons. December alone recorded 1,577,000 net tons of total imports, including 1,160,000 net tons of finished steel – a 3.8 percent dip from November, though finished steel rose 6.9 percent month-over-month.
India emerged as a standout performer. The US imported 553,000 net tons from India in 2025, a massive 118.3 percent increase from 2024. Even in December, India shipped 42,000 net tons, down just 10.1 percent from the prior month. This surge underscores India’s growing footprint in the US market, contrasting with declines from traditional suppliers.
Canada held the top spot with 4,524,000 net tons, but down 31 percent. Brazil followed at 4,126,000 net tons (-8%), Mexico at 2,823,000 (-19.7%), and South Korea at 2,662,000 (-5.3%). Germany bucked the trend, up 5 percent to 1,128,000 net tons.
December’s leaders included Brazil (257,000 net tons, +4.1% MoM), Canada (234,000, -9%), South Korea (167,000, +1.3%), Mexico (137,000, -17.4%), and Japan (109,000, +52.6%). Product categories showed vigor too: reinforcing bar imports jumped 135 percent month-over-month in December, plates in coil rose 44.6 percent, and hot-rolled bar climbed 38.9 percent.
Annually, tin plate imports grew 24.3 percent, line pipe 18.5 percent, wire rod 13.2 percent, and oil country goods 12.6 percent compared to 2024. As steel remains vital for infrastructure, autos, energy, and construction, these shifts highlight evolving supply chains and trade policies. India’s impressive gains signal its rising competitiveness in this critical sector.