core sector communique

SSINA Releases Market Data FOR March 2012

(Washington, D.C., June 18, 2012) – The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (“SSINA”) has released statistical data on imports, U.S. consumption, and import penetration for YTD March 2012. The data represents U.S. consumption, imports, and import penetration for YTD March 2012 compared to the same 2011 three month period.

The following data is presented by specialty steel product line, total stainless steel, and total specialty steel:

Ø Stainless steel sheet/strip: Imports in YTD March 2012 were 84,919 tons, a 16.4% decrease compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption was 410,414 tons, a 8.9% decrease; three month import penetration was 20.7%, a 1.9 percentage point decrease from 2011.

Ø Stainless steel plate: Imports in YTD March 2012 were 58,038 tons, a 34.0% increase compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption was 116,491 tons, a 24.2% increase; three month import penetration was 49.8%, a 3.6 percentage point increase from 2011.

Ø Stainless steel bar: Imports in YTD March 2012 were 39,638 tons, a 13.4% increase compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption was 70,464 tons, a 4.4% increase; three month import penetration was 56.3%, a 4.5 percentage point increase from 2011.

Ø Stainless steel rod: Imports in YTD March 2012 were 7,565 tons, a 8.0% increase compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption was 17,820 tons, a 8.8% decrease; three month import penetration was 42.5%, a 6.7 percentage point increase from 2011.

Ø Stainless steel wire: Imports in YTD March 2012 were 11,143 tons, a 4.8% decrease compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption was 14,587 tons, a 4.8% decrease; three month import penetration was 76.4%, which was same as that in interim 2011.

Imports of total stainless steel (comprising the foregoing product lines) in YTD March 2012 were 201,304 tons, a 1.4% increase compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption was 629,775 tons, a 2.6% decrease; three month import penetration was 32.0%, a 1.3 percentage point increase from 2011.

Ø Alloy tool steel: Imports in YTD March 2012 were 35,997 tons, a 32.9% increase compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.

Ø Electrical steel: Imports in YTD March 2012 were 31,855 tons, a 6.7% increase compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.

Imports of total specialty steel (comprising stainless steel, alloy tool steel and electrical steel) in YTD March 2012 were 269,156 tons, a 5.3% increase compared to YTD March 2011; U.S. consumption and import penetration were not calculable.

For additional data on imports, U.S. consumption and import penetration for 2011 and 2011 please refer to the attached chart.

About Specialty Steel Industry of North America

Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA) is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing virtually all continental specialty metals producers, which include high technology, high value stainless and other specialty alloy products.

SSINA member companies include: ATI Allegheny Ludlum, Pittsburgh, PA and ATI Allvac, Monroe, NC (both Allegheny Technologies companies); Carpenter Technology Corporation, Reading, PA; Crucible Industries, Solvay, NY; Electralloy, Oil City, PA; North American Stainless, Ghent, KY; Universal Stainless and Alloy Products, Bridgeville, PA; and Valbruna Slater Stainless Inc., Fort Wayne, IN.