The steel industry today is vital to both economic competitiveness
and national security. Steel is the backbone of bridges, skyscrapers, railroads,
automobiles, and appliances. Most grades of steel in use today – particularly
high-strength steels that are lighter and more versatile – were not available ten
years ago. Steel is the most recyclable and recycled material in North America, with an
overall recycling rate of 68 percent. [AISI 2000]
The U.S. steel industry is a $50+ billion enterprise; additional downstream processing
pushes this value closer to $75 billion. There are more than 1,200 firms operating in all
but a few states. The absolute number of integrated mills (producing steel in basic oxygen
furnaces) has always been relatively small and is currently about 20. The industry employs
approximately 154,000 people nationwide. The steel industry (including iron production) is
one of the largest energy consumers in the manufacturing sector and has invested more than
$7 billion in environmental controls. [AISI 1999]
The broad Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) for the industry
is SIC 331 and encompasses many 4-digit SIC categories.
Shipments from steel industry facilities and downstream processors are about $75 billion
annually.
The steel industry accounts for 2-3% of total U.S. energy consumption.
Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan have the highest steel shipments.
The industry consists of two types of facilities – integrated (ore-based) and
electric arc furnace (primarily scrap-based)
About half of steel industry facilities conduct energy-management activities.
