US stainless steel imports in June rose by 23 percent to 108,500 tons in comparison with the corresponding 2006 period , and the figure was 107,700 tons in May.

Imports of stainless steel cold rolled sheet remained at around 32,400 tons. Imports of stainless steel cold rolled strip increased by 14 percent to 3,200 tons from 2,800 tons in May.

Some mills in the US all expect the market for stainless steel to recover with stable nickel prices. Buyers might be ready to restock in the third quarter.