Based on preliminary Census Bureau data for December, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that the United States imported a total of 35.7 million net tons of steel in 2004, including 28.3 net tons of finished steel. Imports in these categories increased 54.2% and 54.6%, respectively, compared with 2003.
The 2002 percentage gain for finished steel imports was more than three times the 15.9% increase in steel consumption. As a result, finished steel import market share rose from 16.0% to 21.2%.