January 2006

• Total production of primary steel and pig iron rose 5.3% to reach 1,294,124 metric tonnes between December 2005 and January 2006. Over that same time period, shipments dropped 15.8% to 50,423 metric tonnes - their lowest level in four months.
• Total monthly dispositions of rolled steel products rebounded, climbing 24.3% to 1,275,897 metric tonnes in January. The recovery was led by increased dispositions of hot-rolled sheets and coils, as well as galvanized sheets.
• Total production of steel pipe and tubing increased 15.2% to 250,775 metric tonnes in January. Shipments also grew in January, rising 21.3% to reach 280,200 metric tonnes.
• January shipments of steel wire products partially reversed a three-month decline, increasing 19.5% to 43,961 metric tonnes.