Steel industry leaders welcomed the Department of Commerce’s decision to extend and enhance the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) program to 2009.

“I would like to thank the Administration and Secretary Gutierrez for their timely action on this vital system,” commented American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) President and CEO, Andrew G. Sharkey III. “This program is a critical component to the government’s ability to closely monitor steel imports, and I am grateful the Administration correctly identified it as such.”

International Steel Group Chairman Wilbur L. Ross said, "I applaud the decision by the Administration to extend the steel licensing program for four more years. While this will have no near-term effect on steel prices, it will assure that the Administration receives timely information for considering future situations."

"Markets work best when information is available, accurate and timely,” commented U. S. Steel President and CEO John P. Surma. “The Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis system helps American steel producers, service centers and consumers plan and efficiently manage their businesses. This system informs steel buyers and sellers — both importers and exporters — of major steel market trends in a timely manner," said Surma.

Industry leaders thanked members of the Senate and House Steel Caucuses, extending special thanks to Senators Arlen Specter, John Rockefeller, Rick Santorum and Richard Durbin and Representatives Phil English, Pete Visclosky, Melissa Hart, Mike Doyle, and Tim Murphy. AISI emphasized that the continuation of SIMA, which will soon be extended to include a wider range of steel products, ensures fair trade in steel by providing policymakers in the Administration and Congress with the most timely and accurate information regarding imports.