[SMM Iron & Steel] US Steel Imports Plummet 45.9% in Early 2026 Amid New Tariff Regimes

Published: Mar 23, 2026 13:25

Save

The United States reported a 45.9% year-on-year reduction in imports of rolled steel during early 2026, reflecting the impact of newly implemented trade measures and heightened tariffs under Section 122. This sharp decline in foreign supply has significantly tightened the domestic market, allowing major US mills to increase spot market prices for hot-rolled coil to over $1,015 per tonne. Analysts suggest that the new tariff regime, which applies a 10% across-the-board duty on nearly all imports, is forcing a localized supply chain shift for North American manufacturers.

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

1 hour ago

MMi Daily Iron Ore Report (March 23)

Dalian iron ore futures exhibited a volatile but firm upward trend today, with the most-traded I2605 contract concluding the session at 819 RMB per tonne, marking a 0.92% increase from the prior trading day.

1 hour ago

[SMM Steel] Tata Steel partners with Hindustan Zinc for sustainable steel manufacturing

[SMM Steel] Tata Steel and Hindustan Zinc (HZL) announced a partnership on March 23, 2026, to integrate EcoZen, a low-carbon zinc solution, into steel production. Produced using renewable energy, EcoZen has a carbon footprint below 1 tonne of CO₂e per tonne of zinc—75% lower than the industry average. Tata Steel will initially deploy this "green zinc" at its Sahibabad plant for galvanizing processes, aiming to reduce Scope 3 emissions and strengthen its sustainable supply chain across the automotive and infrastructure sectors.

1 hour ago

2 hours ago

[China Iron Ore Brief Review] Iron Ore in Shandong May Continue to Trend Higher

[China Iron Ore Brief Review: Iron Ore in Shandong May Continue to Edge Higher] This week, at mines and beneficiation plants in Shandong, the ex-mine quote for 64 grade alkaline fines on a dry basis, before tax and settled by bank acceptance, was 899, up 17 yuan/mt. Steelmakers raised prices in tandem, most miners maintained normal production, and some mines slightly increased output. Steel mills showed moderate willingness to purchase, mainly under long-term contracts, while shipments from small plants and traders were also relatively good, with overall transactions improving; after a large mine in Zaozhuang resumed production

2 hours ago