Long Products
September 21, 2026
Written by Brett Linton
Domestic raw steel output fell to a six-month low last week after hitting a multi-year high one week earlier, according to the latest American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) figures.
Aside from the surge earlier in September, production has mostly trended lower since peaking in May. However, output remains strong compared to recent years.
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.
Canton, Ohio-based specialty metals manufacturer Metallus has been awarded a contract valued at up to $995 million by the US Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), part of the Department of War.
US steel industry groups representing most of domestic steel production are urging the Trump administration to tighten trade measures on steel imports from South Korea. They are seeking a South Korea-specific tariff-rate quota (TRQ) and an investigation into a reported import surge.
ArcelorMittal told the government of Ukraine that it is unable to restart operations at its ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih steel plant in a “safe and sustainable manner” following Russian missile attacks.