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    Analysis

    August 7, 2026

    Steel import licenses rebound in July after June decline

    Written by Laura Miller

    Licenses to import steel into the US surged in July to the highest level since May 2025, according to recently released US Commerce Department data. Final June figures show a 3.8% month-on-month decline, while July licenses show a 9% recovery.

    Although June imports declined m/m, June’s 2.1 million short tons (st) of imports was the third highest total so far this year. July license data currently totals 2.294 million st, the highest level in 14 months.

    Laura Miller

    Laura Miller is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has held various editorial positions with steel industry publications, associations, and mills since 2007. She joined the SMU team in 2022. She is a member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries and a past-president of the AWMI Pittsburgh Chapter. She holds a BA in Latin American Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

    Read more from Laura Miller

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