US domestic producers hike stainless prices

Middletown, Ohio-based flat rolled steelmaker AK Steel has announced it will increase transaction prices for all hot and cold rolled stainless steel sheet, strip, tubular quality, and continuous mill plate products by approximately 6 percent, effective August 6, 2006. Specialty metals producer ATI Allegheny Ludlum has also announced it will raise its hot and cold rolled stainless steel products by approximately 6 percent, effective with shipments August 7, 2006. These products include hot and cold rolled stainless sheet and strip products, including tubular quality, continuous mill plate, and Precision Rolled Strip products. In addition, ATI Allegheny's Specialty Plate unit will increase prices for its 300 series alloys by 5 percent, and its 400 series alloys by 10 percent, both effective August 7, 2006.