Imports increased in May compared to April by 5.6% according to preliminary government reporting. 'The increase in imports in May reflected improved steel market conditions, principally in the flat rolled market, as semifinished imports by domestic mills jumped by 38% in response.' For the month, finished imports declined,' said David Phelps, president, AIIS.

'For the year to date, imports continue to reflect stronger demand and pricing, with nearly half of the increase coming from increases in imported semifinished steel as domestic mills augment their hot end melting capacity in response to improved conditions.' While there is currently a pause in the marketplace, data through May clearly show the slow but steady improvement in the steel market so far in 2011, except of course for non-residential construction,' concluded Phelps.

Total Steel imports in May 2011 were 2.691 million tons compared to 2.549 million'tons in April 2011, a 5.6 percent increase, and a 17.3 percent increase compared to May 2010. According to year-to-date figures, imports increased 20.6 percent compared to 2010 or from 9.671 million tons in 2010 to 11.667 million tons in 2011. The data show that imported semifinished products increased by 69 percent in May 2011 compared to May 2010. For the year-to-date period, semifinished imports increased from 2.046 million tons in 2010 to 2.893 million tons in 2011, a 41.4% percent increase based on preliminary reporting.