Steel import levels declined in February.

Steel imports receded from January’s all-time high but still captured 27% of the domestic market, the American Iron and Steel Institute reported. Imports of steel mill products in February were 2.05 million tons, down 23% from the 2.66 million tons that entered the country in January. January’s shipments corresponded to 30.9% of the market, the industry organization reported, based on Commerce Department figures. Import penetration in February exceeded the Reagan Administration goal of limiting foreign steel to 18.5% of the domestic market.