Canada
May 29, 2026
Written by Laura Miller
The US and Canadian rig counts moved higher as oil and gas drilling picked up in the week ending May 29, according to the latest report from Baker Hughes.
The report shows the US rig count rising by four net rigs to 562. While the number of gas and miscellaneous rigs was unchanged, oil rigs rose by four. Compared to last year, the count is down by just one rig.
The latest tally of active drilling rigs rebounded in the US and moved higher in Canada this week, according to oil and gas rig count data published by Baker Hughes. The US rig count rose by five to 603 rigs this week, reaching a 17-month high. Compared to this time last year, there are 56 more rigs in operation today.
Steel imports into the US crept higher in August and continued climbing in September, according to the Department of Commerce's latest import license data. August imports rose 3.4% from July to a 15-month high. September license data collected through Oct. 5 shows another 6.2% month-on-month increase. Imports continue to recover from some of the lowest levels since 2020, seen late last year through February this year.
Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on topics ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events. Below, we share a selection of the comments we received, in each buyer’s own words.
The Canadian government has reportedly given Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. five days to respond to a letter from Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly about the Stelco layoffs or face legal action.
SMU’s latest Flat-Rolled Steel Survey points to largely stable demand, but foreign steel orders have softened since the previous survey, and service centers continue to report stronger activity than manufacturers.