Effective April 1, 2002, ThyssenKrupp Stahl AG will increase the prices of its flat carbon steel products by 30 to 40 euros per ton, depending on delivery form. Following the price reductions of the past few months, an increase is urgently needed. Price pressure on the markets has made it impossible to compensate for the recent cost rises. We anticipate that the current international steel cycle will reach its low point in the first quarter of 2002. Steel users and distributors have significantly reduced their inventories. Production cutbacks at European flat steel producers, the expected revival of the steel markets in the course of spring 2002 and substantially lower inventory levels will allow the planned price increases to be pushed through. Price rises on the North American and Asian markets are an initial indication of a change for the better.

Contact:

Dietmar Stamm
ThyssenKrupp Stahl AG
Press Department
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Str. 100
47166 Duisburg
Phone: +49 203 / 52 - 2 62 67
Fax: +49 203 / 52 - 2 57 07
E-mail: stamm@tks.thyssenkrupp.com