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    Long Products

    March 13, 2026

    Steel imports remain low in January and February

    Written by Brett Linton

    Steel imports remained close to multi-year lows in January and February, according to US Commerce Department data released this week. Final January figures inched up 5% month-over-month (m/m) and February license data is almost identical. In the last six months, we have witnessed imports shrink to some of the lowest volumes recorded in the last five years.

    The total volume of steel products imported into the country in January was 1.65 million short tons (st), just ~90,000 st above the near five-year low set last September. February license data collected through March 10 is almost identical to January levels.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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