OTHER NEWS - July 20, 1995

Steel Imports Fell in May: U.S. imports of steel, which had been rising steadily this year, fell almost 14% from the preceding month and more than 13% from a year ago, an industry group reported. Imports declined to 2.16 million tons from 2.51 million tons in April and 2.49 million tons in May, 1994, the American Iron and Steel Institute said. Year-to-date, imports rose 5% to about 12.1 million tons, but the decline in May could signal the start of a long-projected downturn. U.S. steel exports continued their yearlong surge in May, rising 18% to 466,621 tons from 395,092 tons in April. Exports rose 42% from May, 1994, the AISI said. Year-to-date, exports rose 35% to 2.05 million tons from 1.52 million tons in the same period last year.