Preliminary data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that imports of plates in coil totaled 56,928 metric tons (mt) in April 2025, reflecting a significant 31.9% decline from March and a 41.2% drop compared to April 2024. The total value of these imports also fell sharply to $40.7 million in April, down from $61.8 million in March and $86.8 million in the same month last year.
Canada remained the largest source of imported plates in coil, sending 33,436 mt in April. While this figure was only slightly lower than March’s 33,884 mt, it marked a steep decline from the 44,745 mt imported from Canada in April 2024. Other key suppliers included Mexico with 9,394 mt, South Korea with 6,364 mt, Sweden with 2,915 mt, the Netherlands with 2,687 mt, and Germany with 1,621 mt.
The data highlights a cooling trend in U.S. steel imports, likely reflecting shifting demand dynamics, trade policy adjustments, or supply chain recalibrations. With import volumes and values steadily declining year-over-year, the U.S. market may be seeing increased reliance on domestic steel production or a slowdown in steel-consuming industries.
