Nov. 6, 2006 — Total stainless steel imports reached 541,631 tons through the first eight moths of 2006 (YTD 2006), an 18% increase compared to first eight moths of 2005 (YTD 2005), according to the latest report from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). Total specialty steel imports (stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) were 657,345 tons in the same period, a 9% increase compared to the same 2005 period.

Specific product lines experienced both increases and decreases in imports, domestic consumption and import penetration over the first eight months of 2006 compared to the first eight months of 2005.

Stainless steel sheet/strip YTD August imports were 345,869 tons, a 36% increase over YTD August 2005. U.S. consumption was 1,251,050 tons over the same period, a 14% increase; while eight-month import penetration was 28%, a five percentage point increase.

Stainless steel plate YTD August imports were 67,639 tons, a 21% increase over YTD August 2005. U.S. consumption was 227,638 tons over the same period, a 34% increase, while eight-month import penetration was 30%, a three percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel bar YTD August imports were 76,397 tons, a 12% decrease over YTD August 2005. U.S. consumption was 152,940 tons over the same period, an 8% decrease, while eight-month import penetration was 50%, a two percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel rod YTD August imports were 19,689 tons, a 38% decrease over YTD August 2005. U.S. consumption was 44,275 tons over the same period, a 10% decrease, while eight-month import penetration was 44%, a twenty-one percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel wire YTD August imports were 32,037 tons, a 6% increase over YTD August 2005. U.S. consumption was 57,690 tons over the same period, a 10% increase, while eight-month import penetration was 56%, a two percentage point decrease.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the above product lines) in the first eight months of 2006 were 541,631 tons, an 18% increase compared to the same 2005 period. U.S. consumption was 1,733,593 tons over the same period, a 13% increase, while import penetration was 31%, a one percentage point increase.

Alloy tool steel YTD August imports were 69,889 tons, a 15% decrease over YTD August 2005. U.S. consumption and import penetration over the period were not calculable.

Electrical steel YTD August imports were 45,825 tons, a 24% decrease over YTD August 2005. U.S. consumption was 295,016 over the same period, an 8% increase, while eight-month import penetration was 16%, a six percentage point decrease.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) in the first eight months of 2006 were 657,345 tons, a 9% increase compared to the same 2005 period. U.S. consumption was 2,082,047 tons over the same period, an 11% increase, while import penetration remained at 32%.

SSINA is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers. Member companies are:

• AK Steel Corp., Middletown, Ohio
• ATI Allegheny Ludlum Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa. (an Allegheny Technologies company)
• ATI Allvac, Monroe, N.C. (an Allegheny Technologies company)
• Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, PA
• Crucible Specialty Metals, Syracuse, N.Y.
• Electralloy, Oil City, Pa.
• Haynes International Inc., Kokomo, Ind.
• ThyssenKrupp Mexinox SA de CV, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
• North American Stainless, Ghent, Ky.
• Outokumpu Stainless, Inc., Schaumburg, Ill.
• Precision Rolled Products, Inc., Florham Park, N.J.
• Special Metals Corp., Huntington, W.Va.
• Timken Latrobe Steel, Latrobe, Pa.
• Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, Pa.
• Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.