U.S. steel mills shipped 8,630,000 net tons in September, according to the latest report by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). That total represents a 6.5% decrease from the 9,233,000 net tons shipped in September 2004, and a 3.4% decrease from the 8,933,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, August 2005.

A comparison of year-to-date (YTD) 2005 shipments to YTD 2004 shipments shows the following changes within major market classifications:

• Service centers and distributors, – 7.2%
• Automotive, +1.4%
• Construction and contractors’ products, +2.8%
• Oil and gas, +9.1%
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, –2.8%
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, –3.8%
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, –15.1%
• Electrical equipment, –7.1%

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 33 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 118 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.