U.S. steel mills shipped 9,361,000 net tons in July 2004, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). July shipments represent an 11.1% increase from the 8,424,000 net tons shipped in July 2003, and a 3.2% decrease from the 9,671,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, June 2004.

For the first seven months of 2004, steel shipments were 66,925,000 net tons, representing a 10.5% increase from the 60,564,000 net tons shipped during the same period in 2003.

A year-to-year comparison of shipments shows the following changes within major market classifications:

• Service centers and distributors, +4.6%.
• Automotive, +6.2%.
• Construction and contractors’ products, +11.1%.
• Oil and gas, +11.8%.
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, up 18.2%.
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, +4.3%.
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, +0.8%.
• Electrical equipment, –5.6%.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 31 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 118 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.