<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT MARCH 31, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000008038
<NAME> ASTREX, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> MAR-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-2000
<CASH> 57
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,220
<ALLOWANCES> (79)
<INVENTORY> 4,437
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 46
<PP&E> 1,237
<DEPRECIATION> (533)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,706
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,802
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 65
<OTHER-SE> 0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,706
<SALES> 16,512
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 16,512
<CGS> 12,771
<TOTAL-COSTS> 12,771
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 3,069
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 183
<INCOME-PRETAX> 488
<INCOME-TAX> 32
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 456
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 456
<EPS-BASIC> $.08
<EPS-DILUTED> $.08
</TABLE>