Washington, Feb 20 (NationPress) In 2025, the United States reduced its steel purchases globally, while significantly increasing imports from India.

Recent statistics published on Thursday indicate that the total US steel imports decreased by 12.6 percent last year, despite a remarkable increase of over 118 percent in shipments from India, signaling a significant change in sourcing trends.

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), referencing finalized Census Bureau data, reported that the US imported 1,577,000 net tonnes of steel in December 2025, which included 1,160,000 net tonnes of finished steel. Compared to November, total imports fell by 3.8 percent, while finished steel imports rose by 6.9 percent.

For the entire year, the decline was more pronounced. Total steel imports in 2025 reached 25,241,000 net tonnes, a 12.6 percent decrease from 2024. Finished steel imports amounted to 18,665,000 net tonnes, down 17.1 percent year on year. The market share of finished steel imports was estimated at 14 percent in December and 18 percent for the year.

India's performance was particularly noteworthy in an otherwise lackluster year. The US imported 553,000 net tonnes of steel from India in 2025, representing an increase of 118.3 percent compared to 2024. In December alone, India exported 42,000 net tonnes, which was a 10.1 percent decrease from November.

Canada remained the largest overall supplier to the US in 2025, providing 4,524,000 net tonnes, although this reflected a 31 percent drop from 2024. Brazil followed with 4,126,000 net tonnes, down 8 percent. Mexico supplied 2,823,000 net tonnes, down 19.7 percent, and South Korea contributed 2,662,000 net tonnes, down 5.3 percent. Germany shipped 1,128,000 net tonnes, an increase of 5 percent.

In December, Brazil was the leading supplier at 257,000 net tonnes, an increase of 4.1 percent from November. Canada provided 234,000 net tonnes, down 9 percent. South Korea shipped 167,000 net tonnes, up 1.3 percent, while Mexico sent 137,000 net tonnes, down 17.4 percent. Japan recorded exports of 109,000 net tonnes, a month-on-month increase of 52.6 percent.

Some categories of products experienced significant month-on-month increases in December. Imports of reinforcing bars surged by 135 percent. Cut lengths of plates rose 68 percent. Plates in coils increased by 44.6 percent. Hot-rolled bars saw a rise of 38.9 percent, and heavy structural shapes climbed by 37.3 percent.

On an annual basis, tin plate imports grew by 24.3 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. Line pipe imports rose by 18.5 percent, wire rods by 13.2 percent, and oil country goods by 12.6 percent.

Steel continues to be vital for infrastructure, automobiles, energy systems, and construction. In recent years, US imports have been closely scrutinized amid trade policies and supply chain discussions. For India, the significant rise in shipments to the US highlights its expanding influence in the market.