Imports increased slightly in December by 1.4 percent compared to November, based on preliminary import data released by the government. 'Stronger market conditions at the end of the year in the US are reflected in the increase in December of arrivals of semifinished steel products for conversion by domestic mills. This optimistic development also coincides with improved pricing and lengthening lead times for the domestic industry at the end of 2010,' said David Phelps, president, AIIS.

For the full year, imports increased 47.2% over the recession year 2009. 'Going forward, current market conditions appear to increase the reasons for optimism for early 2011 for imports, domestic shipments and based on reports associated with international conditions, for exports,' concluded Phelps.

Total Steel imports in December 2010 were 1.811 million tons compared to 1.796 million'tons in November 2010, a 1.4%'increase, and a 28.4% increase compared to December 2009. According to year-to-date figures, imports increased 47.2% compared to 2009 or from 16.2'million tons in 2009 to 23.9 million tons in 2010. The data show that imported semifinished products increased from 278 thousand tons in December 2009 to 365 thousand tons in December 2010, a 31.5 % increase. For the year-to-date period, semifinished imports increased from 2.036 million tons in 2009 to 5.068 million tons in 2010, a 148.9% increase, based on preliminary reporting.