NEW YORK, July 26 (Reuters) - U.S. imports of brass mill products fell 4.7 percent in May while exports were down 14.8 percent, compared with the same month last year, the Copper & Brass Fabricators Council (CBFC) said on Friday.
Brass mill imports in May 2002 totaled 52.78 million lbs, down from 55.37 million in May 2001, while exports slipped to 24.94 million lbs from 29.29 million lbs, the CBFC said in a news release.
Canada was the top destination for U.S. exports of brass mill products in May at 11.91 million lbs, followed by Mexico at 8.87 million and Germany at 675,894 lbs.
Germany was the leading market for brass mill imports at 9.63 million lbs, trailed by Mexico at 6.81 million, Russia at 6.50 million and Canada at 5.43 million.
Imports of all sheet, strip, plate and foil products reached 18.47 million lbs while exports of those products hit 6.37 million.
Pipe and tube product imports weighed in at 16.29 million lbs and and exports came to 6.8 million.
Imports of all profiles, rods and bars reached 15.03 million while exports totaled 10.12 million lbs.
Copper alloy wire imports reached 2.99 million and exports were 1.65 million lbs.
Brass mill products are mostly used in the building construction and automotive manufacturing sectors and in electronic and electrical applications.