U.S. fastener exports and imports continued to pick up steam in February, with growth reported in both categories for a second consecutive month.

Exports of iron and steel fasteners (HTS Code: 7318) increased 5.2% to $319.1 million in February, according to Datamyne data analyzed by GlobalFastenerNews.com.

The top five consumers of U.S. fastener exports in February were Mexico (up 2.7% month-to-month to $111.9 million); Canada (up 6.3% to $82.6 million);China (down 1.3% to $14.7 million); the UK (up 10% to $13.1 million); and Germany (at $10.5 million), according toDatamyne.

Imports of iron and steel fasteners (HTS Code: 7318) to the U.S. rose 6.9% in February to $384 million.

The top five countries importing fasteners to the U.S. during February were Taiwan (up 3.5% month-to-month to $121.7 million);China (up 1.8% to $84.4 million);Japan (up 18.9% to $53.4 million); Germany (up 1.2% at $24.4 million); and Canada (down 7% to $22.4 million).

In January, U.S. fastener exports increased 7% to $307.6 million in January 2016, while imports rose 2% to $366.3 million.

This data is derived from Datamyne using U.S. import and export trade data released by the U.S. Census Bureau in the Merchandise Trade dataset.