U.S. Steel Makers Ship 5.8% More In 2004

Feb. 22, 2005
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) confirmed Tuesday what many steel buyers already know -- demand is up, and mills are humming. The Washington, D.C., trade association, which serves producers, suppliers and customers, reported that steel ...

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) confirmed Tuesday what many steel buyers already know -- demand is up, and mills are humming.

The Washington, D.C., trade association, which serves producers, suppliers and customers, reported that steel shipments were 112,085,000 net tons for 2004, up from 105,974,000 net tons in 2003. All markets posted increases expect electrical equipment, which was down 5.1%. Service centers and distributors shipped 4.6% more; automotive suppliers 4.9% more; construction, 4.9%; oil and gas, 13.5%; machinery/industrial equipment/tools, 20.2%; appliances, utensils and cutlery, 1.5%; and containers/packaging/shipping materials, 1.0%.

For December 2004 monthly comparisons, shipments were down 6.5% on the year-to-year and 6.5% from the prior months. The AISI attributed this to an inventory build-up at the end of the year that was not large enough to bring down overall annual shipments.

The surge in demand for steel has been attributed to increasing demand for products containing steel as the economy recovers (such the demand for machine tools) and massive industrial and infrastructure projects underway in China.

The AISI will hold its annual meeting in Washington, D.C., May 17-19.

American Iron and Steel Institute

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

3D Printing a More Efficient Factory Floor

Nov. 16, 2023
Today’s additive manufacturing platforms make it simple to print a wide range of high-performing industrial parts as soon as possible and right where you need them — unlocking...

7 Crucial Steps to Improve Your OT Security

Oct. 23, 2023
Enhance OT security in manufacturing and production. Uncover the crucial steps to safeguard your operational technology. Protect against evolving threats and bridge the IT-OT ...

Food and Beverage 2024 Trends and Outlook for North America

Oct. 29, 2023
Ready to hear what 200 of your peers said are the top challenges and opportunities in 2024? Don’t fall behind. Uncover actionable insights to better prepare for 2024 in this whitepaper...

Why DataOps may be the key to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation

Nov. 3, 2023
Read the 2023 market survey conducted by IndustryWeek

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!