March 20, 2007 — U.S. steel mills shipped 8,614,000 net tons, in January 2007 according to the latest report from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Although that total represents a 13.2% increase above the 7,609,000 net tons shipped in the previous month (December 2006), it is 3.5% below the 8,918,000 net tons shipped in January 2006.

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

• Service centers and distributors, –8.9%
• Automotive, –4.2%
• Construction and contractors’ products, +5.1%
• Oil and gas, –4.0%
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, –5.1%
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, –9.9%
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, –9.3%
• Electrical equipment, –11.9 percent.

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.