[SMM Iron & Steel] US Cold Rolled Coil Imports Plunge 24.8% in March 2026 Amid Manufacturing Slowdown

Published: May 18, 2026 11:13

Save

Preliminary census data from the US Department of Commerce reveals that US imports of cold rolled coil (CRC) totaled 54,744 metric tons (mt) in March 2026, falling 24.8% from February and plummeting 53.2% compared to March 2025. Total import value shrank to $51.63 million, down from $69.34 million in February and $133.43 million a year ago. Canada remained the largest exporter to the US at 17,805 mt (up from 14,707 mt in February), followed by South Korea (8,008 mt), Vietnam (4,858 mt), Mexico (4,343 mt), and the Netherlands (4,210 mt). This substantial decline in foreign supply reflects an intentional destocking process and cautious purchasing strategies by US manufacturers experiencing macro headwinds.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.minsAgo

【SMM Steel】JSW Steel's crude steel output falls 1% in April

【SMM Steel】India's JSW Steel reported consolidated crude steel production of 2.118 million tonnes in April, down 1% from 2.14 million tonnes a year earlier. Indian operations contributed 2.04 million tonnes, down 1% y-o-y, while its Ohio facility in the US produced 78,000 tonnes, down 7% y-o-y. The decline was primarily due to the shutdown of Blast Furnace 3 at Vijayanagar for a capacity upgrade, which is expected to restart in Q4 2026. Excluding BF3 from last year's base, production growth was approximately 10%.

Common.Time.minsAgo

【SMM Steel】Taiwanese Quintain's consolidated revenue increases in April y-o-y

【SMM Steel】Taiwanese wire rod manufacturer Kuan Tien Steel announced that its consolidated revenue for April was approximately 253 million TWD (equivalent to approximately 7.8 million USD), representing a year-on-year increase of 6.85% and a month-on-month rise of 13.63%. Consolidated revenue for the first quarter stood at approximately 670 million TWD (equivalent to approximately 20.6 million TWD), marking a year-on-year decline of 8.43%. The company stated that the overall steel market has improved this year, with steel prices rising significantly and restocking demand from downstream sectors gradually emerging; full-year operating performance is expected to outperform last year’s figures.

Common.Time.minsAgo

【SMM Steel】North Africa's LISCO completes commissioning of new cold rolling mill

【SMM Steel】North Africa's Libyan Iron and Steel Company has successfully completed the commissioning and testing of its new high-precision cold rolling mill, achieving a stable minimum target thickness of 0.25 mm. The project significantly expands Libya's flat steel processing capabilities and will provide critical substrate for higher value-added coated products. LISCO stated the new line aims to meet domestic reconstruction demand and generate export revenues.

Common.Time.minsAgo