Dec. 8, 2006 — Total stainless imports reached 602,881 tons through the first nine months of 2006 (YTD 2006), a 17% increase compared to the first nine months of 2005, according to the latest report from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA). Total specialty steel imports (including stainless, alloy and tool steels) reached 731,496 tons over the same period, a 9% increase compared to YTD 2005.

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 September imports were 386,744 tons, a 35% increase compared to YTD September 2005. U.S. consumption was 1,408,693 tons over the same period, a 14% increase, while nine-month import penetration was 27%, a four percentage point increase.

Stainless steel plate YTD September imports were 74,294 tons, a 16% increase compared to YTD September 2005. U.S. consumption was 254,575 tons over the same period, a 31% increase, and nine-month import penetration was 29%, a four percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel bar YTD September imports were 84,302 tons, a 12% decrease compared to YTD September 2005. U.S. consumption was 170,020 tons over the same period, an 8% decrease, while nine-month import penetration was 50%, a two percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel rod YTD September imports were 21,735 tons, a 36% decrease compared to YTD September 2005. U.S. consumption was 49,447 tons over the same period, a 7% decrease, and nine-month import penetration was 44%, a nineteen percentage point decrease.

Stainless steel wire YTD September imports were 35,806 tons, an 8% increase compared to YTD September 2005. U.S. consumption was 64,825 tons over the same period, a 12% increase, while nine-month import penetration was 55%, a three percentage point decrease.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) in the first nine months of 2006 were 602,881 tons, a 17% increase compared to the same 2005 period. U.S. consumption was 1,947,562 tons over the same period, a 13% increase, while import penetration was 31%, a one percentage point increase.

Alloy tool steel YTD September imports were 76,453 tons, a 16% decrease compared to YTD September 2005. U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.

Electrical steel YTD September imports were 52,162 tons, a 21% decrease compared to YTD September 2005. U.S. consumption was 329,302 tons over the same period, a 7% increase, and nine-month import penetration was 16%, a five percentage point decrease.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) in the first nine months of 2006 were 731,496 tons, a 9% increase compared to the same 2005 period. U.S. consumption was 2,334,668 tons over the same period, an 11% increase. Import penetration was 31%, 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
• 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.