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Steel Shipments Continue to Tumble Through December 2008

U.S. steel mills shipped 4,617,000 net tons for the month of December 2008, according to the latest report from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
 
The report, which is based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, shows that total shipments reflect a 45.7% decrease from the 8,495,000 net tons shipped in December 2007, and an 11.6% decrease from the 5,223,000 net tons shipped in the previous month (November 2008). 
 
A year-to-year comparison of year-to-date shipments shows the following changes within major market classifications:
 
  • Service centers and distributors, - 6.2%
  • Automotive, - 11.2%
  • Construction and contractors’ products, - 11.6%
  • Oil and gas, + 5.6%
 
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. The Institute comprises 25 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 138 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.