<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMAITON EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 (UNAUDITED) AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000008038
<NAME> ASTREX, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> US DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-2001
<PERIOD-START> APR-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<CASH> 2
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,332
<ALLOWANCES> (79)
<INVENTORY> 4,369
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 6,725
<PP&E> 1,272
<DEPRECIATION> (581)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,575
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,602
<BONDS> 0
0
19
<COMMON> 66
<OTHER-SE> 3,888
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,575
<SALES> 9,126
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 9,126
<CGS> 7,086
<TOTAL-COSTS> 7,086
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,643
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 84
<INCOME-PRETAX> 313
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 313
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 313
<EPS-BASIC> .06
<EPS-DILUTED> .04
</TABLE>