Dec. 18, 2006 — U.S. steel mills shipped 8,725,000 net tons in October, according to the latest report by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The total reflects a 1.3% decrease from the 8,839,000 net tons shipped in October 2005, and a 5.1% decrease from the 9,199,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, September 2006.

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

• Service centers and distributors, +4.2%
• Automotive, +10.2%
• Construction and contractors’ products, +12.0%
• Oil and gas, +11.5%
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, +6.4%
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, –5.0%
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, +2.8%
• Electrical equipment, +19.3%

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. AISI is comprised of 32 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 125 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.