U.S. Census Bureau News
U.S. Department of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20230
                                
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10:00 A.M. EST TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2005
                                
For information contact:
Nick Orsini      (301) 763-6959
Vanessa Ware	 (301) 763-2311

CB-05-41, FT900A (05-02)
                                 
Preliminary: U.S. Imports for Consumption of Steel Products
February 2005

The U.S. Census Bureau, announced today that preliminary February steel imports 
were $1.8 billion (2.1 million metric tons) compared to the preliminary January 
totals of $1.8 billion (2.2 million metric tons).         

The January to February change in steel imports, based on metric tonnage, 
reflected decreases primarily in hot rolled sheets, hot dipped galvanized sheets 
and strip, and cold rolled sheets.  Increases occurred primarily in reinforcing 
bars and plates cut lengths.  Monthly changes in steel imports reflected a decrease 
primarily with Brazil.  Increases occurred primarily with Mexico and Russia.

The year to date final statistics through January 2005 showed steel imports of 2.4 
million metric tons, an increase of 0.3 million metric tons from the 2.1 million 
metric tons through January 2004.  The largest commodity increases were in hot 
dipped galvanized sheets and strip, cold rolled sheets, and hot rolled sheets.  A 
decrease occurred primary in wire rods.  The largest country increases were with 
Brazil, Taiwan, and China. The largest country decrease was with Germany.

Notes:
        
The data in this report are preliminary and subject to revisions.

Analysis of recent months for steel product imports indicates the value of 
preliminary data should equal about 96 percent of the final value reported in 
the regular monthly trade statistics report.  Preliminary data reported for 
individual steel categories and at the individual country of origin level have 
been less consistently predictive of the final data reported in the regular 
monthly trade statistics. For further details visit the Foreign Trade Division 
web site at: www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www/.  On the web site you can access 
product by country and country by product tables.

The next release is April 26, 2005

CONTACT:  For more information, contact Nick Orsini (301-763-6959) or Vanessa Ware 
(301-763-2311), Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Census Bureau.

SOURCE:  U.S. Imports for Consumption of Steel Products: Preliminary   
February 2005 (CB-05-41)