U.S. steel mills shipped 9,326,000 net tons in October 2004 according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). October shipments reflect a 0.6% increase from the 9,273,000 net tons shipped in October 2003, and a 1.0% increase from the 9,233,000 net tons shipped in the previous month, September 2004. For the first ten months of 2004, steel shipments were 94,765,000 net tons, representing a 6.3% increase from the 89,169,000 net tons shipped during the same period in 2003.

Comparing YTD shipments with YTD 2003, the most significant changes occurred in the following major market classifications:

• Service centers and distributors, +4.8%.
• Automotive, +5.8%.
• Construction and contractors’ products, +7.4%.
• Oil and gas, +11.5%.
• Machinery, industrial equipment and tools, +20.2%.
• Appliances, utensils and cutlery, +3.6%.
• Containers, packaging and shipping materials, –1.4%.
• Electrical equipment, –8.1%.

AISI represents the interests 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 118 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.