U.S. trade association of basic iron and steel manufacturers and allied businesses; conducts research and compiles statistics on manufacturing technology and materials, environmental quality control, and energy and fuel consumption; founded in 1908 to organize members who operate steel mills and iron ore mines and whose products include pig iron, steel ingots, pipes and tubes, tin plate, nails, and wire products; headquarters in Washington, D.C.; about 1,200 members; publishes technical manuals, statistical reports, and pamphlets