Between 1997 and 2000 the EU moved from its traditional position as a substantial net exporter of steel mill products to a net importer of over 1 million tonnes, with a deterioration in the trade balance of over 13 million tonnes. By comparison, the US, which has always been a significant net importer, imported 28.3 million tonnes in 1997 saw this figure rise by 10 million tonnes in 1998 before falling back to 34 million tonnes in 2000. The change in net balance for the United States is around half that for the EU.
Par comparaison, les États-Unis, qui ont toujours été un grand importateur net, ont importé 28,3 millions de tonnes en 1997 puis ont vu ce chiffre augmenter de 10 millions de tonnes en 1998, pour retomber à 34 millions de tonnes en 2000.