U.S. steel mills shipped 9,249,000 net tons in March 2005, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The total is a 7.9% decrease from the 10,042,000 net tons shipped in March 2004, and a 6.8% increase from the 8,661,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, February 2005.

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

• Service centers and distributors, –0.7%
• Automotive, –0.6%
• Construction and contractors’ products, –4.6%
• Oil and gas, +9.1%
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, –4.5%
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, –3.5%
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, –10.7%
• Electrical equipment, –5.5%

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.