Preliminary government figures covering steel imports for the month of May 2002 showed that steel imports decreased 10.9% from April 2002 levels, due mainly to reductions in wire and plate products.

May 2002 imports of standard pipe increased 3% compared to April 2002, but were down 34% compared to May 2001. Figures for the Jan.-May period showed imports of steel pipe declined 8% compared to the same period last year.

May 2002 imports of OCTG increased 16% from the previous month, but were down 53% compared to May 2001. Jan-May imports of OCTG were down 57%.

Stainless pipe & tubing increased 3% in May over April 2002, and 6.7% over May 2001. Jan.-May imports were down 2.6% from the same period of 2001.