June 14, 2006 — Total stainless steel imports reached 180,628 tons in the first quarter of 2006, a 1% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2005, according to the latest report from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). Total specialty steel imports were 227,396 tons in the same period, a 3% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2005.

Specific product lines experienced both increases and decreases over the first quarter of 2006 compared to the comparable 2005 period.

Stainless steel sheet/strip YTD imports were 116,871 tons through March, a 5% increase over YTD March 2005. U.S. consumption was unchanged through the period at 458,646 tons, while three-month import penetration reached 25%, a one percentage point increase.

Stainless steel plate YTD imports were 18,456 tons through March, a 1% increase over YTD March 2005. U.S. consumption reached 76,882 tons through the same period, a 19% increase, while three-month import penetration was 24%, a four percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel bar YTD imports were 25,646 tons through March, a 14% decrease compared to YTD March 2005. U.S. consumption was 53,284 tons over the same period, a 13% decrease, while three-month import penetration reached 48%, a one percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel rod YTD imports were 7,988 tons through March, a 36% decrease compared to YTD March 2005. U.S. consumption was 17,595 tons over the same period, a 13% decrease, while three-month import penetration fell to 45%, a sixteen percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel wire YTD imports were 11,668 tons through March, a 7% increase over YTD March 2005. U.S. consumption was 19,548 tons during the same period, a 1% decrease, while three-month import penetration was 60%, a four percentage point increase.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) were 180,628 tons in the first quarter of 2006, a 1% decrease compared to first quarter of 2005. U.S. consumption was unchanged over the same period at 625,955 tons, and import penetration also was unchanged at 29%.

Alloy tool steel YTD imports were 25,973 tons through March, a 10% decrease compared to YTD March 2005. U.S. consumption and import penetration for the period were not calculable.

Electrical steel YTD imports were 20,795 tons through March, a 12% decrease compared to YTD March 2005. U.S. consumption was 107,115 tons during the same period, a 4% increase. Three-month import penetration was 19%, a four percentage point decrease.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) were 227,396 tons in the first quarter of 2006, a 3% decrease compared to the 2005 first quarter. U.S. consumption during the same period was unchanged at 753,474 tons, while import penetration was 30%, a one percentage point decrease.

SSINA is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers. Member companies are: AK Steel Corp., Middletown, Ohio; Allegheny Ludlum Corp., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Allvac, Monroe, N.C. (both Allegheny Technologies companies); 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 Potosi, 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.; and Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.