March 2, 2006 — AK Steel announced it will increase transaction prices for all cold-rolled and hot-rolled stainless steel sheet, strip, tubular-quality and continuous mill plate products. The increase — approximately 3% — takes affect with shipments on March 19, 2006.

AK Steel says it is making the price increase in response to rising demand for stainless products, as well as the need to recover increased costs. It will accomplish the increase through a one-point reduction in the functional discount rate.

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.