China imported 2.13 million tons of steel products in May 2004, down by 30.2% year-on-year, the website of China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) reported Friday.

It is the lowest level since the year of 2003. In the first four months, China imported 13.47 million tons of steel products, up 12.6%.

According to customs, China imported 13.22 million tons of iron ore in May, 600,000 tons less than the same period last year.

(CISA website June 18, 2004)