The available data does not provide sufficient information to calculate the exact percentage increase in imports from 1997 to 1998. Some sources indicate that the import-to-export ratio for a company is given, but without the actual import or export values, the percentage increase in imports cannot be determined

. However, broader trade data shows that North America's merchandise import volume rose by about 10.5% in 1998, which was the strongest growth among regions

. But this figure is regional and not specific to global imports or a particular company. In summary, without explicit import values for both years, the percentage increase in imports from 1997 to 1998 cannot be accurately calculated from the given information