According to the latest data (January through September 2002) released by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA), U.S. producers of stainless steel sheet/strip and stainless steel plate, products not covered by President Bush's import relief action, were particularly hard hit. Stainless steel sheet/strip imports reached 222,166 tons in YTD September 2002, a 12% increase over last year. These imports took a 19% bite out of U.S. market share compared to 17% in 2001. At 42,977 tons, stainless steel plate imports for the subject period increased 38% over last year, capturing 22% of the U.S. market. This reflects a 4% increase in import penetration over 2001. For more information, visit http://www.ssina.com.