According to statistics from the US Department of Commerce (USDOC), the US steel imports during January to November 2018 from South Korea reached around 2.4 million tons, down by 24.8% year on year. The total import value fell by 13% year on year.

However, due to the steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the US section 232, the steel exports of South Korea to the US were limited. Although the South Korean steel exports to the US had tariffs exemption, it was still subject to quota restrictions and led to a reduction in the amount of steel imported from South Korea.