AK Steell increased transaction prices for stainless steel sheet, strip and continuous mill plate products in the 200, 300 and 400 series, as well as duplex grades, effective with shipments on April 6, 2008. The price increases will be accomplished through a two percentage point reduction in the functional discount rate, which equates to an increase in base prices of approximately 4% to 6%, depending upon the grade.
AK Steel said that the price increase is in response to increased demand for stainless steel products, as well as the need to recover increased costs of steel production. AK Steel's published stainless product surcharges remain in effect, and can be found on the company's web site at www.aksteel.com.