LTV expects a “significant” first-quarter loss.

Dallas-based LTV Corp., the nation’s second-largest steel producer, said it expects to post a loss for the quarter ending March 31 about the size of its $246.7-million fourth-quarter loss. The loss comes despite new restraints on imported steel negotiated by the Reagan Administration late last year. The company said the loss will be almost completely due to continuing high levels of steel imports. Imports have claimed 30% of the U.S. steel market thus far this year.