The latest statistics by the General Customs Administration suggested that both exports and imports of stainless sheet for China were on the rise for the first five months. During the first five months China imported a total of 1.312 million tonnes, which represents a 34% increase from the 979.000 tonnes for the same months in 2004. Imports for hot rolled sheet and cold rolled sheet totaled 945,000 tonnes and 367,000 tonnes respectively. Exports in January to May at 91,000 tonnes were nearly treble the 32,000 tonnes for the same months of last year. The exports consist of 35,000 tonnes and 56,000 tonnes of hot rolled sheet and cold rolled sheet respectively.