U.S. steel mills shipped 8,839,000 net tons in October 2005, according to the latest report from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Total October shipments reflect a 5.2% decrease from the 9,326,000 net tons shipped in October 2004, and a 2.4% increase from the 8,630,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, September 2005.

Significant changes for year-to-date shipments (compared to YTD 2004 shipments) include:

• Service centers and distributors, –7.5%
• Automotive, +2.5%
• Construction and contractors’ products, +3.3%
• Oil and gas, +7.4%
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, –3.0%
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, –3.7%
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, –15.5%
• 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.