Iron Ore & Steel

Images source: WPB

Steel is the most widely used metal in any developed economy. It became clear in early 1941 that US steel production capacity would be inadequate to meet both civilian and military needs even with an expansion of steel plants. Therefore, automobiles and durable goods, such as refrigerators and washing machines, were restricted beginning in February, 1942. Additionally, blast furnaces, open hearths and electric furnace steel capacity were expanded. Pig iron was expanded by 10.47 million tons and steel ingots by 9.275 million tons. In spite of this expansion, plate steel, used by ships, tanks, and plants, had to be allocated among users. By January, 1942, each producer had to submit itemized orders to the Iron and Steel Branch of the War Production Board and to the users. From these the WPB sent back to the mills orders for each month. Supply and demand were thus brought into balance by the spring of 1943. Because of the scarcity of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten, alloy steels also had to be allocated until carbon steell production was converted to alloy steel production. By curtailing civilian steel production, collecting scrap and inreasing capacity, finished steel production finally achieved satisfactory levels. ^{WPB 43-50}