Imports declined by 16.1 percent in February compared to January according to preliminary government data.' 'Imports declined from major supplying countries, such as Canada, Mexico, EU and Japan.' Oil country tubular goods ' which had increased strongly in January ' and hot rolled sheet declined substantially in February.' With severe winter weather impacting the eastern US in February and the short month, some reporting may be delayed.' It is important to note that imports in February were also 15 percent higher than in February 2010,' said David Phelps, president, AIIS.'

'Imports for the first two months of 2011 were 20 percent higher than in 2010, reflecting improved market conditions in 2011 compared to 2010,' concluded Phelps.

Total Steel imports in February 2011 were 1,776 thousand tons compared to 2,117 thousand'tons in January 2011, a 16.1% decrease, and a 12.3 % increase compared to February, 2010. According to year-to-date figures, imports increased 20 % compared to 2010 or from'3.244 million tons in 2010 to 3.893 million tons in 2011. The data show that imported semifinished products increased by 12.8% in February 2011 as compared to February 1010. For the year-to-date period, semifinished imports increased from 737 thousand tons in 2010 to 823 thousand tons in 2011, an 11.7% increase, based on preliminary reporting.