Some analysts declare end to the U.S. steel import crisis.

Purchasing, April, 2000

Since tonnage of steel imports dropped in January for the fifth time in six months, economist Greg Mastel at the New America Foundation says, "the worst of the so-called steel import crisis has passed."

In 1999, Commerce statistics show steel imports totaling 32.4 million tonnes, a decrease of 5.3 million tonnes, or 14%, from 37.7 million metric tons in 1998. New Commerce data shows that steel imports fell 4% in January to 2.7 million tonnes. (Imports had risen in December after falling 9% in November, 0.9% in October, 5% in August and 10% in September.)

The December-to-January change in steel imports reflects decreases primarily in hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets, wire rod and heavy structurals. Increases occurred primarily in cut-to-length...

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