The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that for the month of August 2011, U.S. steel mills shipped 8,304,638 net tons, a 12.1% increase from the 7,409,450 net tons shipped in July 2011 and a 15% increase from the 7,224,190 net tons shipped in August 2010.Shipments year-to-date in 2011 are 60,493,945, an 8% increase versus 2010 shipments of 56,014,216 for eight months. 2011 shipments through August would annualize at 91 million tons.            

A month-to-month comparison of shipments shows the following changes: cold-rolled sheet up 17%, hot-dipped galvanized sheets and strip up 16% and hot-rolled sheet up 14%. AISI is comprised of 25 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 118 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. AISI's member companies represent approximately 80% of both U.S. and North American steel capacity.