RECORD STEEL IMPORTS AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES

Increased Volume of Steel Imports in 2006 Makes the Port of Los Angeles
#1 Steel Port on the West Coast and #2 Nationwide

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — March 9, 2007 — The Port of Los Angeles received an all-time high 4.9 million metric tons (MMRT) of steel in 2006, 4.1 MMRT in break bulk and 0.8 MMRT containerized, in 2006.  The Port of Los Angeles is the leading steel port on the U.S. West Coast and the second largest steel port in the nation, behind Houston, Texas.  Two other top five steel ports in the nation are Philadelphia, Pa. in the number three spot, New Orleans, La. at number four and Detroit, Mich. at number five.

“The Port of Los Angeles fills a vital need for steel in the West,” said Geraldine Knatz, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.  “The steel is used in everything from the buildings in Las Vegas to freeway overpasses to the filing cabinets in our offices.  We’re proud to bring in the steel for so many industries.”

The Port of Los Angeles handles the slab steel for the California Steel Industry in Fontana, the only steel mini-mill in California which provides steel products such as steel coils and pipe throughout the western United States.

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port.  As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.  At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach.  For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006.  The Port of Los Angeles - A cleaner port.  A brighter future.