In mid-1998, imported steel, including unprecedented volumes at predatory prices, began flooding U.S. markets. As a result, the group's shipments, average steel prices and operating levels suffered dramatically throughout the remainder of the year. |
It is uncertain at this time how soon the export crisis will be resolved. With current world conditions, the import problem is far broader than hot-rolled products from three countries, and we continue to evaluate new trade cases against these and other nations covering a number of products. |
While we are encouraged by the improvement in second-quarter pricing and volumes, steadily increasing imports continue to adversely impact our business. After a brief period of improvement, we are seeing both our order book and prices soften due to surging imports and increasing evidence that the growth in the domestic economy is slowing. |