U.S. steel groups seek action over rising South Korean imports

The Steel Manufacturers Association said industry associations called for immediate action and an investigation into rising South Korean steel imports. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, South Korean long-product imports—including rebar—reached a record 145,300 tons in July 2026, approximately six times the 22,100 tons recorded in July 2024. AISI also reported material increases in pipe and tube and flat-rolled imports. The causes of the increase have not been established.

• Long-product imports from South Korea were reported at 145,300 tons in July 2026, versus 22,100 tons in July 2024.
• AISI characterized South Korean pipe and tube shipments as surging and flat-rolled imports as increasing materially.
• The associations requested immediate government action and an investigation into the underlying causes.
• The industry says Section 232 measures have supported U.S. steelmakers’ investment and competitiveness.
• The cited import data and surge characterization come from industry associations and were not independently verified in the supplied sources.

Watch for whether U.S. authorities open an investigation or announce additional trade action, as well as any clarification of the legal mechanism, timing and products covered. Further trade data will be important for testing whether the reported increases persist.