US steel imports set near-record pace

摘要

US steel imports are on pace to top 1999 and could even match or exceed 1998's 41.5m short ton record. Imports totalled 23.8m tons In January-July, more than 18 percent higher than the same 1999 period and about 7 percent higher than in 1998.The year-to-date total includes some 3.5m in July, up from 3.3m tons in both June of this year and July of last year.Imports of finished steel totalled 18.3m tons through July and are on pace to approach 31m tons this year, second only to 1998 import levels.