By the middle 1990's, American imports could reach some 12 million or 13 million barrels a day - if that oil should be available.

Without them (and increased efficiency), imports would have reached 67 percent last year.

And then the import of Narrameer's choice of words reached him.

In 2008, total imports reached US$1.393 billion, an increase of 42.1 percent over the previous year.

Both imports and exports have reached record levels in each of the last five quarters.

By 2005, according to the Energy Department, imports will reach 11.9 million barrels a day.

In 2008, Canada's total import from Azerbaijan reached $1.168.295 billion.

The petroleum institute also reported that by a second measure, which is less frequently used, imports last year reached an all-time high.

And imports from China reached a record $22.4 billion.

American imports from South Africa reached $1.8 billion last year, and officials expect that figure to grow.