Feb. 20, 2006 — U.S. steel mills shipped 8,513,000 net tons in December 2005, according to the latest report from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Total December shipments reflect a 0.8% increase from the 8,447,000 net tons shipped in December 2004, and a 1.8% decrease from the 8,665,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, November 2005.

Significant changes for year-to-date shipments (compared to 2004 shipments) include:

• Service centers and distributors, – 8.6%.
• Automotive, + 4.0%.
• Construction and contractors’ products, + 4.9%.
• Oil and gas, + 0.7%.
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, – 2.4%.
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, – 1.3%.
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, – 15.9%.
• Electrical equipment, – 4.5%.

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.