Aug. 14, 2006 — Total stainless steel imports reached 310,344 tons through the first five moths of 2006 (YTD 2006), an 8% increase compared to first five 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 383,808 tons in the same period, a 2% increase compared to the same 2005 period.

Specific product lines experienced both increases and decreases over the first five months of 2006 compared to the first five months of 2005.

Stainless steel sheet/strip YTD May imports were 199,804 tons, a 23% increase over YTD May 2005. U.S. consumption was 760,259 tons over the same period, a 7% increase, while five-month import penetration was 26%, a three percentage point increase.

Stainless steel plate YTD May imports were 33,641 tons, a 12% increase over YTD May 2005. U.S. consumption was 129,084 tons over the same period, a 28% increase, while five-month import penetration was 26%, a four percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel bar YTD May imports were 44,416 tons, a 16% decrease over YTD May 2005. U.S. consumption was 90,035 tons, a 14% decrease over the same period, while five-month import penetration was 49%, a two percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel rod YTD May imports were 12,632 tons, a 41% decrease over YTD May 2005. U.S. consumption was 27,504 tons over the same period, a 17% decrease, while five-month import penetration was 46%, a nineteen percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel wire YTD May imports were 19,850 tons, a 4% increase over YTD May 2005. U.S. consumption was 36,064 tons over the same period, a 7% increase, while five-month import penetration was 55%, a two percentage point decrease.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the above product lines) in the first five months of 2006 were 310,344 tons, an 8% increase compared to the same 2005 period. U.S. consumption was 1,042,946 tons over the same period, a 6% increase, while import penetration was 30%, a one percentage point increase.

Alloy tool steel YTD May imports were 42,408 tons, a 17% decrease over YTD May 2005. U.S. consumption and import penetration over the same period were not calculable.

Electrical steel YTD May imports were 31,056 tons, a 21% decrease over YTD May 2005. U.S. consumption was 176,339 tons over the same period, a 2% increase, while five-month import penetration was 18%, a five percentage point decrease.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) in the first five months of 2006 were 383,808 tons, a 2% increase compared to the same 2005 period. U.S. consumption was 1,250,810 tons over the same period, a 4% increase, while import penetration was unchanged at 31%.

SSINA is a Washington, D.C., based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers. Specialty metals are high technology, high value stainless and other specialty alloy products. 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 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.; and Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind.