US imports of hot rolled sheet (HRC) totaled 137,058 metric tons in August 2026, up 63.8% from July and up 82.8% from August 2025, according to preliminary census data from the US Department of Commerce, as reported by SteelOrbis. By value, HRC imports reached $92.1 million in August 2026, compared with $56.6 million in July and $50.8 million in August 2025. South Korea was the largest source of US HRC imports in August, with 41,310 mt.
However, shipments from South Korea fell from 49,096 mt in July, so the monthly increase in total US imports was not driven by South Korean volumes, which declined month on month. For comparison, South Korea supplied 9,420 mt in August 2025. Other leading suppliers in August included Japan with 25,022 mt, Vietnam with 20,920 mt, Canada with 17,328 mt, Brazil with 7,773 mt and Turkey with 6,149 mt.
The source does not provide July figures for these countries, so their monthly changes cannot be assessed from the available data. The source does not explain the reasons behind the increase in total imports. The census figures are preliminary and may be revised.
Source: SteelOrbis, "US HRC imports up 63.8 percent in August 2026 from July" (Berk Arslan), citing preliminary US Department of Commerce census data. https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/us-hrc-imports-up-638-percent-in-august-2026-from-july-1484384.htm
Source: steelorbis.com