Industry Week’s report on the AISI’s annual meeting in Colorado Springs is the Official report on AISI website.
Here are a few key highlights.
- U.S. steel shipments will rise 14% in 2011 to approximately 90 million tons as the industry continues to rebound from the recession, according to Nucor Chairman and CEO Daniel DiMicco
- In March finished steel imports into the United States rose to their highest level since January 2009, said DiMicco, who also serves as AISI chairman.
- Demand from the commercial and residential construction industry remains weak and is not expected to reach pre-recession levels until 2012 at the earliest, said DiMicco.
- Increased demand from infrastructure construction projects has the potential create up to 3 million jobs over the next several years, said Mario Longhi, president and CEO of Gerdau Ameristeel Corp. and AISI director.
PMPA’s own Business Trends shows a recovery in progress. AISI reporting Steel Shipments up 14% and record imports confirm this- Steel is foundational to economic activity.
If you think steel prices are high now wait until commercial and residential construction recovers in a year or so…
Speaking of Precision Blog 
The green shoots of recovery are poking up from between the steel beams of production.
Let’s nurture them and help them grow, but not get too excited. I fear there may be storms before the harvest!
Our business trends report continues to validate our positive outlook for steel Kevin. Thanks for the comment.