SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES INC
10-K, 1998-11-24
MISC DURABLE GOODS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                    FORM 10-K

              ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

    For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 Commission File Number 0-22496

                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               OREGON                                    93-0341923
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
       (State of Incorporation)              I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

  3200 N.W. Yeon Ave., P.O. Box 10047
             Portland, OR                                97296-0047
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (503) 224-9900

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                       Class A Common Stock, $1 par value
                       ----------------------------------
                                (Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ].

The aggregate market value and the number of voting shares of the registrant's
common stock outstanding on September 30, 1998 was:

                           Shares Outstanding Held By         Market Value
 Title of Each Class       -----------------------------         Held By
   of Common Stock         Affiliates     Non-Affiliates      Non-Affiliates
- ---------------------      ----------     --------------      --------------
Class A, $1 par value         171,600          5,370,926         $80,563,890
Class B, $1 par value       4,430,328                  0                 N/A

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.

<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART     ITEM                                                               PAGE

 I       1.     BUSINESS.......................................................3
                Overview.......................................................3
                Acquisition of Proler International Corp.......................3
                Business Strategy..............................................4
                Scrap Operations...............................................5
                Joint Ventures.................................................9
                Steel Operations..............................................10
                Environmental Matters.........................................13
                Employees.....................................................16

         2.     PROPERTIES....................................................16
         3.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................17
         4.     SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE
                  OF SECURITY HOLDERS.........................................17
         4(a).  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT..........................17

 II      5.     MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND
                  RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.................................19
         6.     SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.......................................20
         7.     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                  CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.........................21
         8.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA...................28
         9.     CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
                  ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE......................50

 III     10.    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE
                  REGISTRANT..................................................50
         11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION........................................50
         12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
                  OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.......................................50
         13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS................50

 IV      14.    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND
                  REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.........................................51

                                       2
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                                     PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Overview
- --------

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (the Company) collects, processes and recycles
steel scrap and manufactures finished steel products by operating one of the
largest steel scrap recycling businesses in the United States and a
technologically advanced steel mini-mill. As a result of its vertically
integrated business, the Company is able to transform auto bodies and other
scrap into finished steel products. The Company believes that its scrap and
steel facilities are cost competitive in its markets.

The Company's Scrap Operations have collection and processing facilities in
Portland, Eugene, White City, Grants Pass and Bend, Oregon, Oakland, Sacramento
and Fresno, California, Tacoma and Pasco, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska.
Additionally, as a result of its acquisition of Proler International Corp.,
effective November 29, 1996, through joint ventures, the Company participates in
the management of an additional 28 scrap collection and processing facilities,
including export terminals in Los Angeles, California, Everett, Massachusetts,
Portland, Maine, Providence, Rhode Island and Jersey City, New Jersey. The
Company believes that Scrap Operations has a strong competitive position in its
markets due to significant economies of scale, low cost scrap processing and
loading methods, and deep water terminal facilities which provide efficient and
flexible access to both domestic and foreign steel producers.

The Company's Steel Operations are conducted by Cascade Steel Rolling Mills,
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary acquired in 1984. Steel Operations produces
steel reinforcing bar (rebar), coiled rebar, wire rod, merchant bar, fence
posts, specialty sections and grape stakes. The Company believes that Steel
Operations has a strong competitive position in its market due to its captive
source of steel scrap, efficient production processes, state-of-the-art
technology, well-located shipping and transportation facilities, and proximity
to California and other major western markets.

Acquisition of Proler International Corp. 
- ----------------------------------------- 

On November 29, 1996, PIC Acquisition Corp. (PIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company, acquired approximately 86% of the outstanding shares of Proler
International Corp. (Proler) for $9 cash per share pursuant to a tender offer
for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Proler. Subsequent to
November 30, 1996, PIC purchased additional shares, increasing its ownership to
approximately 94% of the outstanding shares. On December 6, 1996, the Company
completed the merger of PIC with Proler and, as a result, Proler became a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company. As a result of the merger, all remaining
outstanding shares of Proler common stock were converted into the right to
receive the same $9 per share in cash paid in the tender offer. The aggregate
purchase price for Proler was $42.5 million.

Through its joint ventures, Proler supplies ferrous scrap to domestic mills and
exports ferrous scrap to foreign markets from scrap collection, processing and
deep water facilities in Los Angeles, California, Providence, Rhode Island,
Everett, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, and Jersey City, New Jersey and 23
other scrap recycling yards.

The acquisition of Proler was accounted for as a purchase and Proler's results
of operations have been included in the Company's financial statements since
November 29, 1996.

                                       3
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


Business Strategy
- -----------------

The Company's business strategy emphasizes continued growth of the ferrous scrap
business through additive acquisitions and joint ventures, and maintaining its
status as a low-cost producer of both steel scrap and finished steel products
through investments in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and increased
production efficiencies.

The Company considers itself, first and foremost, a ferrous scrap company, with
historically over 65% of its operating income, before corporate expenses and
eliminations, derived from Scrap Operations. Scrap Operations is one of the
leading processors in each of the markets in which it operates. Future capital
expenditures will focus largely on increasing the Company's position as one of
the premier scrap processors in the country.

Until the recent turmoil in the scrap market caused by the Asian financial
crisis, the Company was able to react to changing steel scrap market conditions
by adjusting the price it pays for unprocessed scrap. The Company enters into
scrap sales contracts by selling forward 45 to 90 days and purchases unprocessed
scrap on a daily basis. The typical scrap supplier is a relatively small, local
business or manufacturer who sells scrap in limited quantities. The typical
supplier generally does not have the ability to inventory material and therefore
lacks the market leverage to influence prices. By knowing the price for which
the processed material will be sold and the costs involved in processing the
scrap, the Company is generally able to take advantage of this differential in
timing between purchases and sales and negotiate prices with suppliers that
secure profitable transactions. The Asian financial crisis caused scrap selling
prices to drop faster than the Company was able to drop purchase prices for
unprocessed scrap. When the scrap markets stabilize, the Company believes that
it will be able to regain much of the margins it has lost as a result of the
Asian financial crisis.

It is the Company's intent to only make acquisitions that will be immediately
additive to the Company's earnings.

The Company has developed a multi-part strategy which includes the following
elements:

Expand Scrap Recycling Operations. The Company will continue to seek out
expansion opportunities for its Scrap Operations within both its existing
markets and elsewhere in the United States. The Company has focused on and will
continue to emphasize increasing its sources of ferrous scrap through its
existing network and through selective acquisitions or through joint ventures
with scrap processors and scrap suppliers. During fiscal 1998, the Company and
one its joint venture partners increased their East Coast market position
through the buyout of a third joint venture partner and the completion of two
other strategic joint venture acquisitions. In November 1996, the Company
acquired Proler. Proler's scrap metal joint ventures process approximately 2.5
million long tons of ferrous scrap per year. The Company's purchase of
Manufacturing Management, Inc. (MMI), another scrap processor, in March 1995
added approximately 500,000 long tons per year to the Company's ferrous scrap
volume. In December 1993, the Company acquired four scrap collection and
processing facilities in central and southern Oregon. To facilitate increased
purchasing of bundled scrap available in its California market area, the Company
installed a pre-shredder at its Oakland facility in 1993 to break apart bundles
for further processing into a higher-margin, more marketable shredded product. A
Fresno, California scrap facility was acquired in 1989 to increase the Company's
access to scrap in the central valley of California. The Company has also made a
series of investments in other joint ventures which increase the Company's
sources of scrap supply. The Company's most significant joint venture, in this
regard, operates self-service used auto parts yards, primarily in California.
The Company's Oakland facility receives car bodies from this joint venture for
processing and sale as shredded scrap metal.

Invest in State-of-the-Art Processing and Manufacturing. The Company's objective
is to be a low cost producer of both steel scrap and finished steel products in
order to maximize the operating margin for both operations. To meet this
objective, the Company has focused on and will continue to emphasize the
efficient purchasing and processing of scrap. Additionally, the Company has made
significant investments in state-of-the art equipment to ensure that its
operations have cost effective technology to produce high quality products and
to maximize economies of scale. The Company continues to invest in equipment to
improve the efficiency and 

                                       4
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


capabilities of its Scrap Operations. During fiscal years 1992 through 1998, the
Company spent $40.7 million on capital improvements related to Scrap Operations.
During this same time, the Company made capital expenditures of $90.4 million to
improve Steel Operations' steelmaking facility and to increase its production
capacity. In May 1991, the Company installed a new melt shop comprised of a
technologically advanced electric arc furnace and five-strand continuous caster.
The installation of new in-line straightening, stacking and bundling equipment
at its first rolling mill (Rolling Mill #1) was completed in August 1994. This
equipment improves merchant bar product quality, lowers processing costs, and
has permitted the Company to expand its higher margin merchant bar product line.
The Company is investing in technology to improve its key operating systems.

The Company has contracted to purchase and install a state-of-the-art automobile
shredder at its Tacoma facility capable of shredding over 2,000 tons per day.
This shredder will replace two existing aged shredders that on a combined basis
are capable of only 1,000 tons per day. The new shredder will reduce operating
costs, improve product quality and allow the Tacoma scrap operations to shred
material that was previously sold as lower grades. Additionally, the dock and
bulkhead at the Tacoma facility will be rebuilt. It is anticipated that the new
shredder and rebuilt dock and bulkhead will be installed and operational in the
second quarter of fiscal 1999.

Increase Finished Steel Production and Product Flexibility. In February 1996, a
second rolling mill (Rolling Mill #2) was completed, increasing Steel
Operations' production capacity by 500,000 tons per year. Additionally, in
February 1997, the Company completed the installation of a rod block at Rolling
Mill #2. The rod block has allowed the Company to enhance its product mix
through the production of coiled rebar and wire rod. In addition, the ability of
the new bar mill to produce existing cut-to-length rebar products permits the
Company to increase its production of higher-margin merchant bar products at
Rolling Mill #1 and also increases the Company's flexibility to adjust its
product mix among rebar, merchant bar and wire rod products to respond to
relative demand and price conditions among these products and to maximize
profits. Rolling Mill #2 expands the Company's rolling capacity, based on
anticipated product mix, to about 700,000 tons annually to more closely match
the capacity of the melt shop. The Company does not expect to expand Steel
Operations through significant capital additions in the foreseeable future.

Capture Benefits of Integration. The Company has historically sought to capture
the potential benefits of business integration whenever possible. The Company
believes it enjoys a competitive advantage over non-vertically integrated
mini-mill steel producers as a result of its extensive scrap operations. Scrap
Operations ensures Steel Operations will receive a predictable, high quality
supply of scrap in an optimal mix of scrap grades for efficient melting. In its
Steel Operations, the Company's new wire rod and bar mill is expected to
continue to upgrade the Company's finished steel production and product mix
capturing additional margin.

Complete Additive Acquisitions. The Asian financial crisis has caused
significant dislocations in the scrap industry and to a much lesser extent the
steel industry. It is the Company's belief that as a result of these
dislocations, potential acquisitions in the scrap and steel industries may again
become available at attractive prices. With a strong balance sheet, cash flows
and available borrowing capacity, the Company is in a position to complete an
acquisition should one fitting the Company's long-term strategic plans become
available. The Company will only complete an acquisition if it is immediately
additive to earnings.


Scrap Operations
- ----------------

The Company is one of the largest scrap processors in the United States, with
eleven wholly owned scrap collection and processing facilities. The Company
buys, processes and sells ferrous scrap to foreign and other domestic steel
producers or their representatives and to Steel Operations. Scrap Operations
also purchases ferrous scrap from other scrap processors for shipment directly
to Steel Operations without further processing by Scrap Operations.

                                       5
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


Due to the large capital investment required for scrap processing equipment and
the scarcity of potential scrap yard sites that are properly zoned and have
access to waterways, highways and railroads, the scrap metal industry is
characterized by a relatively small number of large, regionally dominant scrap
processors. These large processors collect raw scrap from a variety of scrap
sources, including smaller scrap recyclers and dealers, and then sort, clean and
cut it into sizes and grades suitable for use by steel manufacturers.

The Company's Portland, Oakland, and Tacoma scrap operations are located at deep
water terminal facilities operated by the Company and also have rail and highway
access. As a result, the Company believes it is strategically located, both for
scrap collection from suppliers and for distribution of processed scrap to west
coast and foreign steel producers. The Company also operates collection and
processing facilities in Eugene, Bend, White City and Grants Pass, Oregon,
Sacramento and Fresno, California, Pasco, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska. The
Sacramento and Fresno facilities are smaller feeder yards which collect and
process scrap for transfer to the Oakland facility or to Steel Operations. The
Eugene, White City, Grants Pass, Bend, Pasco and Anchorage facilities are
similar feeder yards, but their production is transferred to the Portland or
Tacoma facilities or to Steel Operations.

Customers and Marketing. The following table sets forth information about the
amount of ferrous scrap sold by the Company's Scrap Operations to certain groups
of customers during the last five fiscal years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================================================
                                                                Year Ended August 31,
                          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1998                1997                1996                1995                1994
                          ------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------  ------------------
                             Sales    Vol./1     Sales    Vol./1     Sales    Vol./1     Sales    Vol./1     Sales    Vol./1
                          --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Ferrous Scrap
Customers:                                              (dollar amounts in millions)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Asian Steel
  Producers and
  Representatives         $   90.4       720  $  111.1       853  $  131.8       858  $  125.9       680  $   75.9       461
- ------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

Steel Operations:

 Supplied by
   Company Scrap
   Facilities                 44.5       382      43.7       362      44.1       358      44.3       338      36.8       304

 Purchased from
   Others for Direct
   Shipment/2                 10.4        98      14.1       132       9.9        92      10.4        91      17.5       139
                          --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

 Total
 Steel Operations             54.9       480      57.8       494      54.0       450      54.7       429      54.3       443
- ------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

Other US Steel
  Producers                     30       235      23.3       171      30.1       171      25.2       145      16.1        87
- ------------------------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------

      Total               $  175.3     1,435  $  192.2     1,518  $  215.9     1,479  $  205.8     1,254  $  146.3       991
============================================================================================================================

/1   In thousands of long tons (2,240 pounds).

/2   Consists of prepared scrap that is not processed by Scrap Operations.
</TABLE>

The Company sells scrap to foreign and other domestic steel producers or their
representatives and to Steel Operations. The Company has developed long-standing
relationships with Asian and U.S. steel producers. Asian scrap customers are
located principally in China, India, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. To serve these
customers more effectively, the Company operates a wholly-owned subsidiary, SSI
International Far East Ltd., in Seoul, South Korea. Additionally, the Company
uses representatives in Tokyo, Japan. The Company believes these representatives
not only enhance the Company's service to its Asian customers, but also provide
a valuable local presence and source of information in these markets. In fiscal
1998, one customer accounted for approximately 23% and Scrap Operations' five
largest customers 

                                       6
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


accounted for 61% of scrap sales to unaffiliated customers. However, the
Company's scrap customers vary from year to year due to demand, relative
currency values and other factors. All scrap sales are denominated in U.S.
dollars and substantially all scrap shipments to foreign customers are supported
by letters of credit.

While ferrous scrap prices have on average increased historically, such prices
are subject to market cycles. Prices for foreign scrap shipments are generally
established through a competitive bidding process. The Company generally
negotiates domestic prices based on export price levels. Foreign scrap sales
contracts typically provide for shipment 45 to 90 days after the price, which,
in most cases, includes freight, is determined. The Company attempts to respond
to changing export price levels by adjusting its purchase prices at its scrap
yards to maintain its operating margin dollars per ton. However, the Company's
ability to fully maintain its operating margin per ton through periods of
rapidly declining prices can be limited by the impact of lower purchase prices
on the volume of scrap flowing to the Company from marginal scrap sellers.
Accordingly, the Company believes it benefits from rising scrap prices which
provide the Company greater flexibility to maintain or widen both margins and
scrap flow into its scrap yards.

Sources of Scrap. The most common forms of raw scrap purchased by the Company
are wrecked automobiles, railroad cars, railroad tracks, machinery, and
demolition scrap from buildings and other obsolete structures. Scrap is acquired
from drive-in sellers at posted prices at the Company's eleven scrap yards, from
drop boxes at over 1,000 industrial sites and through negotiated purchases from
railroads and other large suppliers. The Company purchases scrap from a large
number of suppliers, including railroads, industrial manufacturers, automobile
salvage yards, scrap dealers and individuals. Scrap yards situated nearest to
scrap sellers and major transportation routes have a competitive advantage
because of the significance of freight charges relative to the value of scrap.
The Company's Portland yard benefits from northwestern rail, highway and water
transportation routes allowing it to attract sellers from Oregon, Washington,
Idaho, Montana, Utah, Nevada and Northern California. The Eugene, Grants Pass,
White City and Bend yards are smaller facilities that serve as collection points
from central and southern Oregon. The Oakland yard gives the Company sourcing
capability in the San Francisco Bay area, the fifth largest metropolitan region
in the country. The Sacramento and Fresno yards are smaller facilities that
serve as collection points for scrap from the central valley of California and
Western Nevada. The Company's Tacoma yard collects scrap from Seattle and the
entire Puget Sound area as well as from throughout Washington, Montana, Idaho,
Alaska, and Western Canada. No single supplier accounted for more than 5% of the
scrap purchased by the Company during the last fiscal year.

Scrap Processing. The Company processes raw scrap by cleaning, sorting, shearing
and shredding it into metal pieces of a size, density and purity required by
customers for introduction into their melting furnaces. Smaller, denser pieces
of scrap are more valuable because they melt more easily and more completely
fill a furnace charge bucket. Over 80% of the ferrous scrap collected by the
Company's scrap facilities requires processing before sale.

Six of the Company's eleven scrap facilities operate large capacity
guillotine-style shears for cutting large pieces of ferrous scrap into smaller,
more valuable pieces. At Portland, Eugene, Tacoma and Oakland, the Company also
has large scissor shears mounted on cranes that move about the yards and cut
bulky pieces of scrap into sizes that can be further processed by the guillotine
shears. These mobile shears are capable of reducing a railroad boxcar to useable
scrap in approximately 30 minutes.

The Portland and Oakland facilities each operate a large auto shredder capable
of processing up to 1,500 tons of scrap per day. The Tacoma facility has two
aged auto shredders with combined capacity to process up to 1,000 tons of scrap
per day that are being replaced with a state-of-the-art shredder capable of
shredding over 2,000 tons per day. These shredders reduce automobile bodies and
other light gauge sheet metal into fist-size pieces of shredded scrap. The
shredded material is then carried by conveyor under magnetized drums which
attract the ferrous scrap and separate it from the nonferrous metals and other
material (fluff) found in the shredded material, resulting in a relatively pure
and clean shredded steel product. The nonferrous metal and fluff then pass
through a separator that removes the fluff. In Oakland, the nonferrous scrap is
further processed using a sink float method to separate aluminum from other
metals based on the differences in their specific gravities. The remaining
nonferrous metals are either hand sorted and graded before being sold or sold
unsorted.

                                       7
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


A pre-shredder at the Oakland facility is used to break apart compacted bundles
of light gauge ferrous scrap purchased from other scrap processors and dealers.
The unbundled scrap is further processed through the shredder.

Deep Water Terminal Facilities. The Company delivers processed scrap to foreign
steel producers by ship. The Company achieves cost efficiencies by operating
deep water terminal facilities at the Portland, Tacoma and Oakland scrap
operations. As a result, the Company is generally not subject to berthing delays
often experienced by users of unaffiliated terminal facilities. The Portland
dock has three operating berths for ships and two tie-up berths, and is equipped
with three 60-ton cranes and one 30-ton crane for loading and unloading heavy
materials and a bulk loading conveyor capable of loading up to 700 tons of
shredded scrap per hour directly into a ship's hold. The Oakland dock also has a
berth serviced by a bulk loading conveyor for loading shredded scrap as well as
a concrete wharf with a 40-ton container crane. Upon completion of the new dock
and bulkhead, the Tacoma marine terminal will be serviced by a 200-ton whirly
crane and one 40-ton crane.

The deep water terminal facilities are used extensively for loading scrap
shipments to the Company's foreign customers. The Portland terminal and, to a
lesser extent, the Oakland and Tacoma terminals also sell docking, loading and
warehousing services to unrelated parties.

Ocean freight costs are a significant element of the cost of scrap delivered to
foreign customers. The Company believes it benefits from the experience and
market knowledge of the shipping businesses it is affiliated with in arranging
ocean transportation. To limit its exposure to fluctuations in ocean shipping
rates and to assure the availability of appropriate vessels, in 1993 the Company
entered into a five-year time charter of a vessel from Trans-Pacific Shipping
Co. (TPS), an affiliated company. The agreement, which expired in June 1998,
guaranteed the ship owner a residual market value of $2.5 million at the end of
the time charter. Upon expiration of the time charter, the Company paid the
guaranteed residual and entered into an additional 5 year time charter, at the
end of which the Company will own the vessel. The Company entered into two
additional seven-year time charters for other vessels in May 1995.

Competition. The Company competes both with respect to the purchase of scrap
from scrap sources and the sale of processed scrap to metal producers.
Competition for scrap purchased in the Company's markets comes from one large
scrap processor, LMC Metals, a division of Simsmetal USA Corporation,
headquartered in Richmond, California, one large scrap broker, David J. Joseph
Company, which purchases scrap throughout the region for delivery to steel
producers, as well as from smaller scrap yards and dealers, and steel producers
such as Oregon Steel Mills, Inc. and Birmingham Steel Corporation (Salmon Bay
Steel) who buy scrap directly. The predominant competitive factors impacting the
Company's scrap sales and its ability to obtain raw scrap are price, including
shipping costs, availability, reliability of service and product quality.

The Company competes with a number of U.S. and foreign scrap processors for
export sales to the Company's customers. Price, including shipping costs, and
availability are the most important competitive factors, but reliability and
quality are also important. The Company believes that its size and locations
allow it to compete effectively with other U.S. and foreign scrap processors.

Seasonality. The Company makes a number of large ferrous scrap shipments to
foreign steel producers each year. The Company's control over timing of scrap
shipments is limited by customers' requirements, shipping schedules and other
factors. Variations in the number of foreign scrap shipments from quarter to
quarter results in fluctuations in quarterly revenues and earnings.

Backlog. At August 31, 1998, the Company's Scrap Operations had a backlog of
firm orders of $6.8 million, as compared to $31.2 million at August 31, 1997 All
of the backlog at August 31, 1998 is related to export shipments and is expected
to be shipped during 1998.

                                       8
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


Joint Ventures
- --------------

The Company has invested in certain joint ventures which process and sell scrap
to third parties and other joint ventures that supply scrap to the Company's
operations.

I.   Joint Venture Scrap Processors

In November 1996 the Company acquired Proler. Proler owns interests in five
joint ventures that are engaged in buying, processing, and selling primarily
ferrous metals. These joint ventures process and sell approximately 2.5 million
long tons of ferrous scrap per year. Through these joint ventures, the Company
participates in the management of 28 scrap collection and processing facilities,
including export terminals in Los Angeles, California, Everett, Massachusetts,
Portland, Maine, Providence, Rhode Island and Jersey City, New Jersey and 23
feeder yards. At the feeder yards scrap metal is collected, processed and then
transported to one of the joint venture's export terminals for subsequent sale
or sold directly to domestic purchasers.

During fiscal 1998, the Company and one of its joint venture partners increased
their East Coast market position through the buyout of a third joint venture
partner and the completion of two other strategic joint venture acquisitions.
The Company and its joint venture partners continue to seek expansion
opportunities in both their existing markets and elsewhere in the United States.

Scrap Processing and Supply. The joint ventures predominantly produce shredded
scrap and other grades of ferrous scrap, primarily heavy melting and premium
grades. The joint ventures process scrap by shredding, sorting, baling, shearing
or cutting the scrap into pieces suitable for melting. Processed scrap is either
inventoried for later shipment or shipped directly by rail, truck, ship or barge
to foreign or domestic steel mills.

Deep Water Terminal Facilities. Through its joint ventures, the Company
participates in the management of export terminals in Los Angeles, California,
Everett, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, Providence, Rhode Island and Jersey
City, New Jersey. The joint ventures deliver by ship processed scrap to steel
producers throughout the world. As a result of owning or leasing these
facilities, the joint ventures are not subject to berthing delays often
experienced by users of unaffiliated terminal facilities.

Competition. The predominant competitive factors which impact the joint
ventures' ability to obtain scrap as a raw material and scrap sales are price,
including shipping costs, availability, reliability of service and product
quality.


II.  Joint Venture Suppliers of Scrap

The Company is a 50% partner in a joint venture which operates thirteen
self-service used auto parts yards in central California and the Bay Area, one
yard in Texas, one yard in Reno, Nevada, one yard in Salt Lake City, Utah and
one yard in Summit, Illinois. Customers purchase parts that they remove
themselves from wrecked automobiles purchased by the joint venture and displayed
in its yards. The Company then has a right of first refusal to purchase the
picked over car bodies for shredding at the Oakland scrap operation. The joint
venture opened or acquired four yards in fiscal 1993, three yards in fiscal
1995, one yard in fiscal 1996, and two yards in fiscal 1997, and intends to
continue to open or acquire new yards as appropriate sites are identified.
During fiscal 1998, the Company purchased substantially all the car bodies
generated in California by this joint venture.

The Company is also a 50% partner in a joint venture operating out of Richmond,
California which is an industrial plant demolition contractor. The joint venture
dismantles industrial plants, performs environmental remediation, resells any
machinery or pieces of steel that are salvaged from the plants in a usable form,
and sells other recovered metals as scrap, primarily to the Company. During
fiscal 1998, the Company purchased substantially all of the ferrous scrap
generated by this joint venture.

                                       9
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


During fiscal 1998, the Company purchased 203,000 long tons of ferrous scrap
from its joint ventures, on terms negotiated at arms-length between the Company
and the other partners to the joint ventures.


Steel Operations
- ----------------

The Company's Steel Operations are conducted by its subsidiary, Cascade Steel
Rolling Mills, Inc., located in McMinnville, Oregon (approximately 45 miles
southwest of Portland). Steel Operations' mini-mill was established in 1968 and
acquired by the Company in 1984.

Products and Marketing. Steel Operations produces rebar, merchant bar, wire rod,
coiled rebar and specialty products such as studded fence posts, grape stakes
and special sections. Sales of these products during the last five fiscal years
were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================================================================
                                                                Year Ended August 31,
                          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 1998                1997                1996                1995                1994
                          -------------------  -------------------  ------------------  -------------------  -------------------
                             Sales     Vol./1     Sales     Vol./1     Sales    Vol./1     Sales     Vol./1     Sales     Vol./1
                          --------   --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------   --------
<S>                       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
                                                        (dollar amounts in millions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rebar                     $  101.9        325  $  104.9        341  $   98.7       321  $   78.3        255  $   85.9        310
- --------------------      --------   --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------   --------

Merchant bar                  46.2        123      43.1        117      35.5        95      34.4         87      41.7        113
- --------------------      --------   --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------   --------

Wire rod                      11.3         37       4.6         15
- --------------------      --------   --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------   --------

Coiled rebar                   6.0         18       1.7          5
- --------------------      --------   --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------   --------

Specialty products            22.0         50      28.1         68      25.8        60      23.5         56      18.0         47
- --------------------      --------   --------  --------   --------  --------  --------  --------   --------  --------   --------

        Total             $  187.4/2      553  $  182.4/2      546  $  160.0       476  $  136.2/2      398  $  145.6/2      470
================================================================================================================================

/1   In thousands of short tons (2,000 pounds).

/2   Does not include billet sales of $4.0 million in 1998, $1.3 million in
     1997, $5.2 million in 1995 and $9.0 million in 1994.
</TABLE>


Rebar is steel rod used to increase the tensile strength of poured concrete.
Merchant bar consists of round, flat, angle and square steel bars used by
fabricators or manufacturers to produce a wide variety of products, including
gratings, steel floor and roof joints, safety walkways, ornamental furniture,
stair railings and farm equipment. Wire rod is steel wire used by fabricators to
produce a variety of products such as chain link fencing, nails, wire and stucco
netting. Coiled rebar is rebar delivered on coils rather than in flat lengths, a
method preferred by some fabricators. Specialty products include fence posts and
other finished products. The Company's fence posts are designed to support
barbed wire and are sold primarily to the agricultural industry. The addition of
in-line straightening, stacking and bundling equipment to Rolling Mill #1 in
fiscal 1995 allowed the Company to expand its higher-margin merchant bar product
lines.

The Company's installation of a rod block and finishing equipment at Rolling
Mill #2 for the rolling of wire rod and coiled rebar was completed in February
1997. Demand for wire rod and coiled rebar on the West Coast has traditionally
been filled by suppliers outside of the region (both domestic and foreign),
creating what the Company believes to be an attractive opportunity to capture
market share and enhance profitability. The addition of the new bar mill, with
its ability to produce Steel Operations' existing cut-to-length rebar products,
has permitted the Company to 

                                       10
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


increase it's production of higher-margin merchant bar products at Rolling Mill
#1 and also increased the Company's flexibility to adjust its product mix among
rebar, merchant bar and wire rod products to respond to relative demand and
price conditions among those products. The Company expects Steel Operations'
total volume to continue to increase due to greater efficiencies to be gained at
Rolling Mill #2.

Steel Operations sells directly from its plant in McMinnville, Oregon and from
its distribution centers located in Union City, California (San Francisco area)
and El Monte, California (Los Angeles area). The two California distribution
centers facilitate sales by holding a ready inventory of products close to major
customers for just-in-time delivery. Due to zoning changes, the Company will be
closing the Union City distribution center by April 1999 and is evaluating
whether to replace it with a third party warehouse which would provide storage
and fulfillment. Steel Operations communicates regularly with major customers to
determine their anticipated needs and plans its rolling mill production schedule
accordingly. Steel Operations also produces and inventories a mix of products
forecasted to meet the needs of other customers. Shipments to customers are made
by common carrier, either truck or rail.

During the year ended August 31, 1998, Steel Operations sold its steel products
to approximately 500 customers primarily located in the 10 western states. In
that period, approximately 39% of Steel Operations' sales were made to customers
in California. Steel Operations' customers are principally steel service
centers, construction industry subcontractors, steel fabricators, and major farm
and wood product suppliers.

One customer accounted for 8.6% of Steel Operations' revenues in fiscal 1998.
Steel Operations' 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 43% of its
revenues during fiscal 1998.

Scrap Supply. The Company believes it operates the only mini-mill in the United
States which has the ability to obtain its entire scrap requirement from its own
affiliated scrap operations. The demand for steel scrap has intensified with the
increase in the number and capacity of steel producers both in the U.S. and
overseas. There have at times been regional shortages of steel scrap with some
mills being forced to pay higher prices for scrap shipped from other regions or
to temporarily curtail operations. The Company's Scrap Operations currently
supplies Steel Operations both with steel scrap that it has processed and with
steel scrap that it has purchased from third-party processors. See "Scrap
Operations." Scrap Operations is also able to deliver to Steel Operations an
optimal mix of scrap grades to achieve maximum efficiency in its melting
operations.

Energy Supply. Electricity and natural gas represented approximately 5% and 2%
respectively, of Steel Operations' cost of goods sold in the year ended August
31, 1998.

Steel Operations purchases hydroelectric power from McMinnville Water & Light
Company (McMinnville), a municipal utility that acquires its power from the
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Steel Operations is McMinnville's largest
customer. McMinnville obtains power at the lowest cost available from BPA and
then resells it to Steel Operations at its cost plus a fixed charge per kilowatt
hour and a 3% city surcharge. In fiscal 1998, Steel Operations paid an average
of $.03 per kilowatt hour used. The favored rate McMinnville obtains from BPA is
for firm power; therefore, Steel Operations is not forced to sacrifice the
reliability of its power supply for a lower interruptible power rate as is the
case with certain other mini-mills. The contract with McMinnville expires June
30, 2001.

Steel Operations purchases natural gas for use in the reheat furnaces from
Panenergy Gas Services of Salt Lake City, Utah, pursuant to a contract that
obligates Steel Operations to purchase minimum amounts of gas at a fixed rate or
pay a demand charge. The contract expires on October 31, 2004. All natural gas
used by Steel Operations must be transmitted by a single pipeline owned by
Northwest Natural Gas Company (Northwest) that also serves local residential
customers of Northwest. To protect against interruptions in gas supply, Steel
Operations maintains stand-by propane gas storage tanks which hold enough gas to
operate one of the rolling mills for at least three days without refilling.

                                       11
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


Manufacturing Operations and Equipment. Steel Operations' melt shop includes a
96-ton capacity electric arc furnace and a five-strand continuous billet caster,
installation of which was completed in May 1991. The melt shop is highly
computerized and automated. The 96-ton capacity of the furnace accommodates
larger, less expensive grades of scrap, resulting in scrap cost savings. Energy
savings result in part from efficiencies of the larger furnace, but also as a
result of post-combustion equipment added to the furnace in 1995. This
technology injects oxygen into the furnace during melting operations which
creates energy by combusting carbon monoxide. The melt shop also has enhanced
steel chemistry refining capabilities, permitting the Company to produce higher
margin products using special alloy quality grades of steel not currently
produced by other mills on the West Coast, including the steel grades required
for wire rod.

During the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 the melt shop
produced 493,000, 586,000 and 611,000 tons of billets, respectively. The melt
shop operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for one six-to-ten hour
period each week in which it is shut down for maintenance. In 1996 Steel
Operations constrained melt shop production through additional shutdown days to
limit the increase in billet inventory. Production was not constrained in 1997
or 1998. The Company continues to anticipate that the melt shop will produce
over 700,000 tons of billets per year when it is operating at capacity.

Billets produced by the melt shop are reheated in one of two natural gas-fueled
reheating furnaces and then drawn red-hot through one of two rolling mills.
Rolling Mill #1, a technologically advanced 17-stand mill, was completed in July
1986. The mill is computerized, allowing for efficient synchronized operations
of the rolls and related equipment. The computer controls facilitate the
reconfiguration of the rolls to produce different products, thus reducing costly
downtime. The computer controls include a self-diagnostic system that detects
and identifies electronic and mechanical malfunctions in Rolling Mill #1. In
1994, Steel Operations completed the installation of in-line straightening,
stacking and bundling equipment on the end of Rolling Mill #1. The addition of
this equipment has permitted Steel Operations to improve the quality of its
products and to produce its merchant bar products more efficiently by automating
the straightening and bundling function. It has also permitted the Company to
expand its higher-margin merchant bar product line.

Rolling Mill #2, a technologically advanced 18-stand mill, was completed in
February 1996. The mill is computerized, allowing for efficient synchronized
operations of the rolls and related equipment. The computer controls facilitate
the reconfiguration of the rolls to produce different products, thus reducing
costly downtime. The computer controls include a self-diagnostic system that
detects and identifies electronic and mechanical malfunctions in the mill. Steel
Operations installed a rod block at Rolling Mill #2 which was completed in
February 1997. The rod block allows the Company to enhance its product mix
through the production of coiled rebar and wire rod. In addition, the ability of
Rolling Mill #2 to produce Steel Operations' existing cut-to-length rebar
products permits the Company to increase its production of higher-margin
merchant bar products at Rolling Mill #1 and also increases the Company's
flexibility to adjust its product mix among rebar, merchant bar and wire rod
products to respond to relative demand and price conditions among other
products. Rolling Mill #2 is expected to expand the Company's rolling capacity,
based on anticipated product mix, to about 700,000 tons annually to more closely
match the potential output of the melt shop at full capacity.

Steel Operations' melt shop and rolling mills are each shut down for one week
twice each year for comprehensive maintenance (in addition to normal weekly
maintenance performed throughout the year). During these periods, substantially
all of the equipment in the mills are dismantled, inspected and overhauled.

Transportation. The Company makes extensive use of rail transportation for
shipment of Steel Operations' products to its distribution centers and customers
in California and for the shipment of scrap to Steel Operations from the
Company's scrap yards and other scrap processors in Southern Oregon and
California. As a result, the Company believes it is one of the largest customers
of Union Pacific Corporation and the largest customer for northbound freight.
The Company believes this position enables the Company to obtain favorable rates
which permit Steel Operations to compete with mills that are closer to
California markets.

                                       12
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


Competition. Steel Operations competes predominantly with the following Western
U.S. steel producers for sales of rebar and merchant bar: Birmingham Steel
Corporation in Seattle, Washington; NUCOR Corporation in Plymouth, Utah; Tamco
in Los Angeles, California; North Star Steel Company in Kingman, Arizona; and
Chaparral Steel Company in Midlothian, Texas. Steel Operations also competes for
sales of wire rod with the aforementioned North Star Steel Company mini-mill and
an Oregon Steel Mill, Inc. plant located in Pueblo, Colorado, along with other
domestic and foreign producers. Other domestic mills generally do not compete in
the Company's market area because of transportation costs. The principal
competitive factors in Steel Operations' market are price (including freight
cost), availability, quality and service. Certain of Steel Operations'
competitors have substantially greater financial resources than the Company.
U.S. steel manufacturers have historically faced competition from foreign steel
producers. The Company experienced some competition from Mexican steel mills in
the Southern California market during fiscal 1996 and 1997. While the Company
has experienced little foreign competition in recent years, there are
indications that imported steel may have an adverse effect on the steel market
in the near future.

Seasonality. Steel Operations' revenues can fluctuate significantly between
quarters due to factors such as the seasonal slowdown in the construction
industry and other industries it serves. In the past, Steel Operations has
generally experienced its lowest sales during the second quarter of the fiscal
year. The Company expects this pattern to continue in the future.

Backlog. Steel Operations generally ships products within days after the receipt
of purchase orders. Accordingly, Steel Operations does not normally have any
material backlog of firm orders.


Environmental Matters
- ---------------------

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations is a significant factor in
the Company's business. The Company is subject to local, state, federal, and
supranational environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other
matters, solid waste disposal, air emissions, waste water disposal, dredging,
and employee health. Environmental legislation and regulations have changed
rapidly in recent years and it is likely that the Company will be subject to
even more stringent environmental standards in the future.

MMI

During 1994, in conjunction with the Company's due diligence investigation of
MMI, a third-party consultant was hired to estimate the cost to cure both
current and future environmental liabilities. Based on the consultant's report,
MMI recorded in 1994 a reserve for the estimated cost to cure environmental
liabilities. This reserve was carried over to the Company's financial statements
and at August 31, 1998 aggregated $20.2 million.

General Metals of Tacoma (GMT), MMI's subsidiary, owns and operates a scrap
facility located on the Hylebos Waterway, a part of Commencement Bay, which is
the subject of an ongoing environmental investigation and remediation project by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). GMT and well
over 60 other parties were named potentially responsible parties (PRP's) for the
investigation and cleanup of contaminated sediment along the Hylebos Waterway.
GMT and five other PRP's voluntarily have entered into an Administrative Order
on Consent with the EPA to fund a pre-remedial study of sediment contamination
and remediation alternatives. GMT's share of the study, which is now expected to
be completed in late 1999, is approximately $2 million. GMT may also be named in
a claim for potential natural resource damages in Commencement Bay currently
under assessment by certain government agencies and others acting as natural
resource trustees.

                                       13
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


In 1998, GMT entered into an Administrative Order on Consent with EPA pursuant
to which GMT agreed to replace its bulkhead and wharf with a steel sheet
pile/cement dock, including capping for inter-tidal sediments, to address
potential concerns about contaminated sediments being addressed in the Hylebos
Superfund matter.

In 1990, MMI entered into a Consent Decree with the Washington Department of
Ecology which required MMI to pave the entire Tacoma scrap facility and install
a stormwater collection and treatment system. The stormwater system has been
installed and final paving was completed during fiscal 1996. On an ongoing
basis, MMI is required to monitor the groundwater quarterly and maintain the
paving.

MMI is also a named PRP at two third-party sites at which it allegedly disposed
of transformers. At one site, MMI entered into a settlement under which it
agreed to pay $825,000 towards remediation of the site. Remediation of the site
has been performed and it is now subject to a five year monitoring program. The
other site has not yet been subject to significant remedial investigation. MMI
has been named as a PRP at several other sites for which it has reached de
minimis settlements. In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company's
environmental reserve includes amounts for potential future cleanup of other
sites at which MMI has conducted business or has allegedly disposed of other
materials.

Proler

In 1996, prior to the Company's acquisition of Proler, Proler recorded a
liability for the probable costs to remediate its wholly owned properties based
upon a consultant's estimates. The Company carried over the aggregate reserve to
its financial statements upon acquiring Proler and $8.1 million remained
outstanding on August 31, 1998. Also, Proler's joint ventures recorded
additional liabilities of $4.1 million for the probable costs to remediate their
properties based on the consultant's estimates.

Between 1982 and 1987, MRI Corporation (MRI), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Proler, operated a tin can shredding and detinning facility in Tampa, Florida.
In 1989 and 1992, the EPA conducted a preliminary site investigation of this
property and, in December 1996, added the site to the "National Priorities
List". MRI and Proler, along with several other parties, have been named as PRPs
for the site by the EPA. Additionally, Proler and/or this subsidiary have been
named or identified as PRPs at several other sites. Proler included the probable
costs associated with these sites in the aforementioned reserve.

Proler leased lands from Kennecott in Copperton, Utah between 1966 and 1992 for
a detinning plant operation, which supplied iron precipitate to the mines.
Environmental site clean-up activities in 1997 and to date during 1998 totaled
$300,000 for Proler, with an estimated $200,000 of remaining cleanup to be done.
The amount of remaining work and the parties responsible for such work to reach
final closure on the site are currently in negotiation.

As part of the Proler acquisition, the Company became a fifty-percent owner of
Hugo Neu-Proler Company (HNP). HNP has agreed, as part of its 1996 lease renewal
with the Port of Los Angeles, to be responsible for a multi-year, phased
remedial clean-up project involving certain environmental conditions on its
scrap processing facility at its Terminal Island site in Los Angeles, California
by the year 2001. Remediation will include limited excavation and treatment of
contaminated soils, paving, installation of a stormwater management system,
construction of a noise barrier and perimeter wall around the facility, and
groundwater monitoring. The probable costs to remediate this property are
included in the aforementioned reserve.

Additionally, other Proler joint venture sites with potential environmental
clean-up issues have been identified. The estimated potential clean-up costs
associated with these sites have also been included in the aforementioned
reserve.

                                       14
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


Scrap Operations

After the shredding of automobile bodies and the separation of ferrous and
salable nonferrous metals, the remaining auto shredder residue ("fluff") must be
disposed. State and federal standards prescribe fluff sampling protocols which
require representative samples of fluff to be analyzed to determine if they are
likely to leach heavy metals, PCBs or other hazardous substances in excess of
acceptable levels. Fluff from the Company's scrap operations in Oakland and
Tacoma undergo an in-line chemical stabilization treatment before being sent to
a landfill. Fluff generated at all of the Company's facilities meets all
currently applicable contaminate leachate standards.

The fluff from the Company's sites is beneficially used as an alternative daily
landfill cover. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control ("DTSC")
has expressed reservations, which the Company is contesting, concerning whether
the procedures employed by the Company with respect to Oakland's fluff are
adequate under California law. The Company has implemented certain changes to
its procedures to accommodate concerns raised by the DTSC and does not believe
that the changes that have been made or any additional changes required by the
DTSC will result in any significant additional expense to the Company, although
there is no assurance that this will be the case.

Steel Operations

The Company's steel mini-mill generates electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, which
is classified as a hazardous waste by the EPA because of its zinc and lead
content. Currently, a majority of the Company's EAF dust is shipped to a firm in
the United States that applies a treatment which delists the EAF dust as
hazardous so it can be disposed of as a non-hazardous, solid waste. The
remaining volume of the Company's EAF dust is exported, pursuant to an annually
renewable export license, to a secondary smelter in Mexico that recycles EAF
dust to produce commercial grade zinc and lead.

Steel Operations' mini-mill operating permit under Title V of the Clean Air Act
Amendment (CAA) of 1990, which governs certain air quality standards, was issued
in 1998 and expires in April 2003. The mini-mill is currently authorized to melt
up to 900,000 tons of scrap per year and produce finished steel products
totaling 450,000 tons for Rolling Mill #1 and 525,000 tons for Rolling Mill #2.

As the mini-mill's production grows beyond current levels, Steel Operations
anticipates that it will need to enhance its existing facilities to properly
control increased emissions in order to remain in compliance with the operating
permit. Steel Operations is currently evaluating alternative methods for
controlling the growth in emissions. Any capital expenditures necessary to
address this issue will not have a material adverse effect on Steel Operations.

It is not possible to predict the total size of all capital expenditures or the
amount of any increases in operating costs or other expenses that may be
incurred by the Company or its subsidiaries to comply with environmental
requirements applicable to the Company, its subsidiaries and their operations,
or whether all such cost increases can be passed on to customers through product
price increases. Moreover, environmental legislation has been enacted, and may
in the future be enacted, to create liability for past actions that were lawful
at the time taken but which have been found to affect the environment and to
increase public rights of action for environmental conditions and activities. As
is the case with steel producers and scrap processors in general, if damage to
persons or the environment has been caused, or is in the future caused, by the
Company's hazardous materials activities or by hazardous substances now or
hereafter located at the Company's facilities, the Company may be fined and/or
held liable for such damage and, in addition, may be required to remedy the
condition. Thus, there can be no assurance that potential liabilities,
expenditures, fines and penalties associated with environmental laws and
regulations will not be imposed on the Company in the future or that such
liabilities, expenditures, fines or penalties will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


The Company has, in the past, been found not to be in compliance with certain
environmental laws and regulations and has incurred liabilities, expenditures,
fines and penalties associated with such violations. The Company's objective is
to maintain compliance. Efforts are ongoing to be responsive to environmental
regulations.

The Company believes that it is in material compliance with currently applicable
environmental regulations as discussed above and, except as discussed above,
does not anticipate any substantial capital expenditures for new environmental
control facilities during fiscal 1999 or 2000.

Employees
- ---------

As of August 31, 1998, the Company had 1,062 full-time employees, consisting of
417 employees at the Company's Scrap Operations, 572 employees at Steel
Operations, and 73 corporate administrative employees. Of these employees, 682
are covered by collective bargaining agreements with twelve unions. Steel
Operations' contract with the United Steelworkers of America covers 432 of these
employees and expires on February 1, 2000. The Company believes that its labor
relations generally are good.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company's Portland Scrap Operations, Portland deep water terminal
facilities, and the related buildings and improvements are located on an
approximately 120-acre industrial site owned by Schnitzer Investment Corp.
(SIC), a related party, and leased to the Company under a long-term lease. See
Part III, Item 13 "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
Approximately 17 acres are occupied by the deep water terminal facilities, and
the balance is used by Scrap Operations.

The Sacramento scrap operations are located on a 7-acre site, most of which is
leased from SIC under a long-term lease. See Part III, Item 13 "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions." The Pasco and Anchorage operations are
located on sites leased from third parties.

The following scrap operations are all located on sites owned by the Company or
subsidiaries:

             LOCATION                          ACREAGE OWNED AT SITE
             --------                          ---------------------
             Oakland                                    33
             Tacoma                                     26
             Fresno                                     17
             Eugene                                     11
             Grants Pass                                 5
             White City                                  4
             Bend                                        3

Steel Operations' steel mill and administrative offices are located on an
83-acre site owned by Steel Operations in McMinnville, Oregon. Steel Operations
also owns its 87,000 sq. ft. distribution center in El Monte, California and its
46,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Union City, California.

The equipment and facilities on each of the foregoing sites are described in
more detail in the descriptions of each of the Company's businesses. Due to
rezoning, Steel Operations has chosen to close its Union City, California
distribution center by April 1999. Should the Company determine that the
operations performed at Union City are essential, it will contract with a third
party warehouse to provide storage and fulfillment. The Company believes its
present facilities are adequate for operating needs for the foreseeable future.

                                       16
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


The Company's principal executive offices are located at 3200 NW Yeon Avenue in
Portland, Oregon in 20,000 sq. ft. of space leased from SIC under two long-term
leases. See Part III, Item 13 "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Except as described above under Part I, Item 1 "Business -- Environmental
Matters", the Company is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998.


ITEM 4(a). EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Name                       Age                       Office
- ----                       ---                       ------

Leonard Schnitzer          73        Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
                                     Officer

Robert W. Philip           51        President

Kenneth M. Novack          52        Executive Vice President

Gary Schnitzer             56        Executive Vice President - California Scrap
                                     Operations

Barry A. Rosen             53        Vice President - Finance and Treasurer

Kurt C. Zetzsche           59        President of Steel Operations

Edgar C. Shanks            50        Vice President - Taxation

James W. Cruckshank        43        Controller and Assistant Treasurer

Dori Schnitzer             44        Secretary


     Leonard Schnitzer has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Company since
August 1973, and became Chairman of the Board in March 1991.

     Robert W. Philip has been President of the Company since March 1991. He had
been a Vice President of the Company since 1984 with responsibility for the
Company's Metra Steel distribution division from 1984 to the time of its sale in
July 1990. Mr. Philip is Leonard Schnitzer's son-in-law.

                                       17
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART I (CONTINUED)


     Kenneth M. Novack is Executive Vice President of the Company and President
of Schnitzer Investment Corp. and certain other Schnitzer Group companies. From
1975 to 1980, he worked for the Company as Vice President and then Executive
Vice President. Mr. Novack was also President of Schnitzer Investment Corp. from
1978 to 1980. From 1981 until April 1991, he was a partner in the law firm of
Ball, Janik & Novack. Mr. Novack is the son-in-law of Gilbert Schnitzer, a
brother of Leonard Schnitzer.

     Gary Schnitzer has been Executive Vice President in charge of the Company's
California scrap operations since 1980. Gary Schnitzer is the son of Gilbert
Schnitzer.

     Barry A. Rosen has been Vice President-Finance and Treasurer of the Company
since 1982.

     Kurt C. Zetzsche joined the Company in February 1993 as President of Steel
Operations. Mr. Zetzsche has been in the steel production business since 1966.
From 1990 to February 1993, he was President of Tennessee Valley Steel, a
mini-mill steel producer. From 1976 to 1989, he was President of Knoxville Iron
Co., also a mini-mill steel producer.

     Edgar C. Shanks joined the Company in September 1991 as Vice
President-Taxation. From 1970 to 1991, he was a CPA with Price Waterhouse LLP
and was a partner there from 1982 to 1991.

     James W. Cruckshank has been the Controller of the Company since May 1987.
Except for a brief period in 1986, he has been employed by the Company in
various accounting positions since 1984. From 1978 to 1984, he was a CPA with
Price Waterhouse LLP.

     Dori Schnitzer has been the Secretary of the Company since June 1987. She
also served as corporate counsel of the Company from October 1987 to May 1991
when she became Vice President of Lasco Shipping Co. Ms. Schnitzer is a daughter
of Morris Schnitzer, a deceased brother of Leonard Schnitzer.

                                       18
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K



                                     PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market tier
of the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol SCHN. The approximate number of
shareholders of record on September 30, 1998 was 100. The stock has been trading
since November 16, 1993. The following table sets forth the high and low prices
reported at the close of trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market and the dividends
paid per share for the periods indicated.


===============================================================================
                                             Fiscal Year 1998
                           ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                      DIVIDENDS
                                 HIGH PRICE         LOW PRICE         PER SHARE
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
First Quarter                        $37.63            $27.38              $.05
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
Second Quarter                        30.00             22.63               .05
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
Third Quarter                         27.13             24.06               .05
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
Fourth Quarter                        26.25             15.00               .05
===============================================================================


===============================================================================
                                             Fiscal Year 1997
                           ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                      DIVIDENDS
                                 HIGH PRICE         LOW PRICE         PER SHARE
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
First Quarter                        $29.25            $24.75              $.05
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
Second Quarter                        29.25             25.25               .05
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
Third Quarter                         31.00             22.25               .05
- -------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
Fourth Quarter                        34.00             25.00               .05
===============================================================================

                                       19
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Year Ended August 31,
                                                     1998            1997(1)         1996            1995(2)         1994
                                                 --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
                                                         (In millions, except per share, per ton and shipment data)
<S>                                              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>     
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
    Revenues                                     $  353.1        $  361.7        $  339.3        $  330.7        $  261.7
    Cost of goods sold and other
       operating expenses                           311.2           314.8           290.8           284.5           234.3
    Selling and administrative                       22.5            21.2            18.9            16.2            13.2
    Income from joint ventures                        4.1             6.9             3.3             2.5             2.4
                                                 --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
    Income from operations                           23.5            32.6            32.9            32.5            16.6
    Interest expense                                 (6.8)           (5.0)           (3.8)           (2.4)           (1.0)
    Other income (expense)                           (1.5)            4.6             1.7             3.9             0.9
                                                 --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
    Income before income taxes                       15.2            32.2            30.8            34.0            16.5
    Income tax provision                             (5.8)          (11.0)          (10.0)          (11.8)           (5.8)
                                                 --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
    Net income                                   $    9.4        $   21.2        $   20.8        $   22.2        $   10.7
                                                 ========        ========        ========        ========        ========

    Basic earnings per share                     $   0.94        $   2.06        $   2.25        $   2.83        $   1.47
                                                 ========        ========        ========        ========        ========
    Diluted Earnings  per share                  $   0.93        $   2.05        $   2.24        $   2.82        $   1.47
                                                 ========        ========        ========        ========        ========

    Dividends per common share                   $   0.20        $   0.20        $   0.20        $   0.20        $   0.15
                                                 ========        ========        ========        ========        ========

OTHER DATA:
    Shipments (in thousands of tons)(3):
       Ferrous scrap                                1,435           1,518           1,479           1,254             991
       Finished steel products(4)                     553             546             476             398             470
    Average selling price per ton:
       Ferrous scrap                             $    122        $    127        $    146        $    154        $    148
       Finished steel products(4)                     339             334             336             342             310

    Depreciation and amortization                $   18.7        $   18.3        $   14.0        $   11.6        $    9.3
    Capital expenditures                             14.2            15.5            44.6            31.1            21.1


                                                                           Year Ended August 31,
                                                     1998            1997            1996            1995            1994
                                                 --------        --------        --------        --------        --------
                                                                              (In millions)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
    Working capital                              $  111.1        $  104.9        $   92.4        $   56.8        $   48.2
    Total assets                                    471.3           428.0           337.5           280.3           164.1
    Short-term debt                                   0.2             0.4             0.2             0.2             1.9
    Long-term debt                                  140.2            92.9            44.5            64.7             2.8
    Shareholders' equity                            241.4           239.1           223.8           136.0           115.3


(1)  Includes the results of operations of Proler from November 29, 1996 through
     August 31, 1997. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2)  Includes the results of operations of MMI from March 17, 1995, the date of
     acquisition, through August 31, 1995.

(3)  Tons for ferrous scrap are long tons (2,240 pounds) and for finished steel
     products are short tons (2,000 pounds).

(4)  Does not include billet sales of $4.0 million in 1998, $1.3 million in
     1997, $5.2 million in 1995 and $9.0 million in 1994.
</TABLE>

                                       20
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS


Results of Operations

The results of operations of the Company depend in large part upon demand and
prices for scrap metals in world markets and steel products on the U.S. West
Coast. Increasing steel demand and prices have led to improved profitability
during the period of fiscal 1995 through fiscal 1997. Primarily due to the Asian
financial crisis, fiscal 1998 results for Scrap Operations were negatively
impacted.

The Company's income from joint ventures for the year ended August 31, 1997 was
significantly higher than in prior years due to the acquisition of Proler,
effective November 29, 1996. In March 1995, the Company acquired all of the
outstanding stock of MMI. MMI's results of operations have been included in the
Company's financial statements since March 17, 1995 and have had a significant
impact on the Company's scrap related revenue and income since then.

The following tables set forth information regarding the breakdown of revenues
between the Company's Scrap Operations and Steel Operations, and the breakdown
of income from operations between Scrap Operations, Steel Operations and Joint
Ventures. Additional financial information relating to business segments is
contained in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Revenues
                                                                    Year Ended August 31,
                                                  -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (In millions)
                                                     1998        1997 (1)    1996        1995 (2)    1994
                                                  -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>    
Scrap Operations:
    Ferrous                                       $ 175.3     $ 192.2     $ 215.9     $ 205.8     $ 146.4
    Nonferrous (3)                                   27.3        27.7        10.7        32.2        11.4
    Other                                            15.3        16.5         6.8         6.1         4.0
                                                  -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
    Scrap Total                                     217.9       236.4       233.4       244.1       161.8
    Sales to Steel Operations (4)                   (56.2)      (58.4)      (54.1)      (54.9)      (54.7)
                                                  -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
    Sales to Unaffiliated Customers                 161.7       178.0       179.3       189.2       107.1

Steel Operations                                    191.4       183.7       160.0       141.5       154.6
                                                  -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
    Total                                         $ 353.1     $ 361.7     $ 339.3     $ 330.7     $ 261.7
                                                  =======     =======     =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>

                                       21
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Income from Operations
                                                                    Year Ended August 31,
                                                  -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       (In millions)
                                                     1998        1997 (1)    1996        1995 (2)    1994
                                                  -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>    
Scrap Operations                                  $  16.5     $  27.4     $  29.6     $  26.3     $  12.3
Steel Operations                                      9.8         5.5         6.3         9.3         6.5
Joint Ventures                                        4.1         6.9         3.3         2.5         2.4
Corporate Expense and Eliminations (5)               (6.9)       (7.2)       (6.3)       (5.6)       (4.6)
                                                  -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
    Income  from Operations                       $  23.5     $  32.6     $  32.9     $  32.5     $  16.6
                                                  =======     =======     =======     =======     =======


(1)  Includes the results of operations of Proler from November 29, 1996, the
     date of acquisition, through August 31, 1997.

(2)  Includes the results of operations of MMI from March 17, 1995, the date of
     acquisition, through August 31, 1995.

(3)  In July 1995, the Company sold certain of its Portland nonferrous
     operations including a nonferrous business acquired in the MMI transaction,
     which resulted in a decline in nonferrous revenues for fiscal 1996.

(4)  Ferrous scrap sales from Scrap Operations to Steel Operations are made at a
     negotiated market rate per ton.

(5)  Corporate expense and eliminations consist primarily of unallocated
     corporate expense for services that benefit both Scrap Operations and Steel
     Operations. Because of this unallocated expense, the income from operations
     of each segment does not reflect the income from operations the segment
     would have as a stand-alone business.
</TABLE>


Fiscal 1998 Compared to Fiscal 1997

Revenues for Scrap Operations decreased, while revenues for Steel Operations
increased, resulting in a net decrease in the Company's revenues of $8.6 million
to $353.1 million for fiscal 1998 compared to $361.7 million for fiscal 1997.
The Company achieved record shipments of finished steel products and produced
record tons of billets in fiscal 1998.

Scrap Operations generated revenues of $217.9 million, before intercompany
eliminations, compared with $236.4 million in fiscal 1997, representing a
decrease of $18.5 million (8%). Ferrous revenues decreased $17.0 million (9%) as
the result of a 5% decrease in ferrous tons shipped at lower average selling
prices. Sales to the Company's Steel Operations were down slightly. Scrap
Operations made 25 ferrous scrap export shipments totaling 720,000 tons in
fiscal 1998, compared with 30 shipments totaling 853,000 tons in fiscal 1997,
while domestic third-party tonnage increased 37% to 235,000 tons. The average
selling price for ferrous scrap declined $5 per ton to $122 with the largest
decline occurring in export prices during the second half of 1998.

Steel Operations' revenues increased $7.7 million (4%) to $191.4 million. Higher
volumes sold, coupled with an increase in selling prices, contributed to the
increase. Average steel selling prices increased $5 per ton to $339, while
finished steel tons shipped increased 6,600 tons to 553,000 tons. During fiscal
1998, the Company also sold 16,900 tons of billets, compared with 5,600 tons
during 1997.

Cost of Goods Sold. Overall, cost of goods sold decreased $3.6 million (1%) to
$311.2 million and increased as a percentage of revenue from 87% in fiscal 1997
to 88% in fiscal 1998. Gross profit decreased $5.1 million (11%) to $41.9
million.

                                       22
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


Scrap Operations' cost of goods sold decreased $8.8 million (4%) to $189.1
million as the result of a 5% decrease in ferrous tonnage shipped. Cost of sales
per ferrous ton shipped remained unchanged from 1997 to 1998. The average
selling price of ferrous scrap also declined, resulting in a decrease in Scrap
Operations' gross profit of $9.6 million.

Cost of goods sold for Steel Operations increased $2.7 million (2%) to $178.1
million as the result of increased tonnage shipped. Cost of sales per ton
decreased $4 as the result of lower scrap prices and increased plant
efficiencies. This decrease, coupled with a $5 per ton increase in the average
selling price for finished steel and a 1% increase in tonnage shipped, resulted
in a $4.8 million (58%) increase in overall gross profit and a 53% increase in
gross profit per ton for finished steel.

Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses
increased $1.3 million (6%) in fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal 1997 primarily as
the result of overhead added due to the Proler acquisition in November 1996.

Income from Joint Ventures. The Company's joint ventures generated $408.6
million of revenues for fiscal 1998 compared with $352.5 million for fiscal
1997. The Joint Ventures in the Scrap Processing Business shipped 2.2 million
tons and 2.5 million tons for the same periods, respectively. This decrease was
primarily a result of the Asian financial crisis. Income from joint ventures for
fiscal 1998 decreased $2.8 million to $4.1 million compared with fiscal 1997.
This decrease resulted from operating losses due to the Asian financial crisis
as well as a $.4 million charge to income for closure of redundant plant
facilities and a $3.1 million charge to state inventory at the lower of cost or
market. This was offset by a $2.0 million favorable inventory adjustment
recorded as a result of physical inventories. The tons shipped for fiscal 1997
in the discussion above include activity which occurred prior to the Company's
acquisition of Proler.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for fiscal 1998 increased $1.8 million
because of additional debt required to support joint venture operations and
capital expenditures. Average borrowings for fiscal 1998 were $97.6 million
compared with $96.1 million for 1997. The average interest rate for fiscal 1998
was 5.8% compared with 5.7% for fiscal 1997.

Gain (Loss) on Sale of Fixed Assets. Results for fiscal 1998 include a $2.2
million charge to reflect the estimated loss which the Company expects to
realize upon the sale of its Tacoma shredders, which are being replaced with a
state-of-the-art automobile shredder.

Other Income. Other Income decreased $3.6 million during the year ended August
31, 1998 compared with the prior year. Fiscal 1997 included a $3 million gain on
settlement of an interest rate agreement which it had entered into for the sole
purpose of locking in the interest rate on a planned private placement of debt,
which the Company subsequently decided against pursuing.

Income tax provision. The effective tax rate for fiscal 1998 increased to 38%
from 34% in fiscal 1997 as a result of lower benefits from the Company's foreign
sales corporation and a reduced benefit from state tax credits.


Fiscal 1997 Compared to Fiscal 1996

Revenues for both scrap and steel increased, resulting in an overall increase in
the Company's revenues of $22.4 million to $361.7 million for fiscal 1997
compared with fiscal 1996. The Company achieved record shipments of both scrap
and finished steel products in fiscal 1997, compared to previous years.

                                       23
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


Scrap Operations generated revenues of $236.4 million, before intercompany
eliminations, during fiscal 1997 compared with $233.4 million in fiscal 1996,
representing an increase of $3.0 million (1%). Ferrous revenues declined,
however, despite a 39,000 ton (3%) increase in shipments, due to softer selling
prices for scrap. Sales to the Company's Steel Operations increased by 43,000
tons (10%) to 494,000 tons. Although the total number of scrap export shipments
were the same as the prior year, foreign scrap tonnage declined slightly, while
domestic third party sales tonnage remained relatively the same as the prior
year. Average ferrous scrap revenues per ton for the first three quarters of
fiscal 1997 were lower than for the same period in the prior year, resulting in
a lower average selling price for the year of $127 per ton compared with $146
for fiscal 1996. The Company believes that, due to a temporary build-up in scrap
inventories by scrap processors and steel mills caused by a slackening in
demand, the average prices for ferrous scrap on the world market declined during
this period. The average selling price during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997
was higher than for the same period in the prior year. The increase in other
sales reflects the acquisition of Proler in November 1996.

Steel Operations' revenues increased $23.7 million (15%) to $183.7 million.
Higher volumes sold, offset by lower average selling prices, contributed to the
increase. The Company experienced increased tonnage sales in all product
categories, due in part to the addition of a new rolling mill in February 1996.
Average finished steel selling prices, excluding billets, declined from $336 to
$334 per ton, reflecting lower prices for all categories of the Company's
primary finished steel products. The expansion of steel-making capacity by the
Company's competitors and an influx of finished steel shipments from Mexico into
Southern California through the third quarter of fiscal 1997 were predominantly
responsible for a decline in average selling prices in the market on the U.S.
West Coast. The mix of products sold also changed during fiscal 1997, impacting
the average selling prices. With the addition of a new rod block on the
Company's newest rolling mill in February 1997, Steel Operations began producing
wire rod and coiled reinforcing bar (rebar) products. Sales of these products
during fiscal 1997 aggregated 20,400 tons. During fiscal 1997, the Company also
sold 5,600 tons of billets. No billets were sold in fiscal 1996.

Cost of Goods Sold. Overall, cost of goods sold increased $24.0 million (8%) to
$314.8 million and increased as a percentage of revenues from 86% in fiscal 1996
to 87% in fiscal 1997. Gross profit declined $1.7 million (3%) to $46.9 million.

Scrap Operations' cost of goods sold increased $4.0 (2%) million to $197.9
million due to increased tonnage sold. The average cost of goods sold per ton of
ferrous scrap declined as the Company managed purchase prices at the scale while
selling prices were declining. However, the average selling price of ferrous
scrap declined more quickly than the cost of goods sold per ton, resulting in an
overall decline in Scrap Operations' gross profit of $1.1 million, despite the
increase in tons sold.

Cost of goods sold for Steel Operations increased $24.4 million (16%) to $175.4
million due predominantly to higher tonnage sales. Cost of goods sold as a
percentage of revenues increased from 94% to 95% due to the decline in the
average selling price. The Company recognized higher depreciation expense in
fiscal 1997 compared with fiscal 1996, due to the addition of its new rod mill
in February 1996 and rod block in February 1997, increasing cost of goods sold
per ton. However, production efficiencies and, in some cases, lower production
costs positively impacted cost of goods sold. As a result, the average cost of
sales per ton of finished steel products remained virtually unchanged. Steel
Operations' gross profit declined $.7 million because of the lower average
selling prices, partially offset by the increase in finished steel shipments.

Selling and Administrative Expenses. Selling and administrative expenses
increased $2.3 million (12%) in fiscal 1997 compared with fiscal 1996
predominantly as a result of increases to accommodate corporate growth and the
Proler acquisition.

Income from Joint Ventures. Income from joint ventures for fiscal 1997 increased
$3.6 million due to the Proler acquisition in November 1996. Aggregate income
for the Company's other joint ventures declined slightly as large projects which
were in process in fiscal 1996 were completed that year.

                                       24
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


Interest Expense. Interest expense for fiscal 1997 increased by $1.2 million
(32%) because of additional debt incurred to finance the acquisition of Proler.
Average borrowings for fiscal 1997 were $96.1 million compared with $72.2
million for fiscal 1996. The average interest rate for fiscal 1997 was 5.7% and
for fiscal 1996 was 5.9%.

Other Income. Other income increased $2.9 million during the year ended August
31, 1997 compared with the prior fiscal year. During fiscal 1997, the Company
recognized a gain of approximately $3 million upon settlement of an interest
rate agreement. The Company initially entered into the agreement for the sole
purpose of locking in the interest rate on a planned private placement of debt,
which the Company subsequently decided against pursuing. The Company has not and
does not intend to enter into speculative hedge arrangements.


Year 2000. The following discussion is provided in response to the Securities
and Exchange Commission's Interpretation of Disclosure of Year 2000 Issues and
Consequences by Public Companies, Investment Advisors, Investment Companies, and
Municipal Securities Issuers.

In response to Year 2000 compliance issues, the Company has developed a
systematic approach that consists of the following three phases: (1)
identification and assessment to identify potential Year 2000 issues, (2)
modification or replacement of equipment and software, (3) final testing to
ensure that all systems are Year 2000 compliant after modifications are
installed.

The Company has divided its Year 2000 issues into the following categories: (a)
physical hardware and related operating systems at the Corporate Data Processing
Facility, (b) business and financial reporting systems at all locations, (c)
personal computers and peripheral equipment at all locations, (d) facility and
support systems (including communication devices and safety systems) at all
locations, (e) manufacturing systems at Cascade Steel Rolling Mills.

The Company has completed the identification and assessment phase for the
Corporate Data Processing Facility, the business and financial reporting systems
at all locations, the personal computers and peripheral equipment at all
locations, and the facility and support systems at a majority of its locations.

The Company currently expects that all Phase 1 activities will be complete by
March 1, 1999.

The Company has completed the modification of equipment at the Corporate Data
Processing Facility, the business and financial reporting systems at all
locations, personal computers at all locations, and expects the remainder of
Phase 2 activities to be complete no later than May 31, 1999, except for Steel
Operations which is expected to be complete no later than November 30, 1999.

The Company expects to complete Phase 3 activities by no later than May 31,
1999, except for Steel Operations which is expected to be complete no later than
November 30, 1999.

Management estimates that the costs for correction of the Year 2000 issues,
including any software and hardware upgrades (but excluding replacements that
would have occurred even without the Year 2000 issue), and the cost of personnel
allocated to this project should not exceed $1,000,000, of which $500,000 is
expected to be capital expenditures. Approximately $100,000 has been spent to
date. The year 2000 upgrades are being funded through normal operating funds and
are expected to account for less than 5% of the Company's Information
Technology, maintenance and manufacturing capital budgets. There can be no
assurance that the costs and timeframes above will not change as the Company
continues its assessments.

The Year 2000 project is a priority project for the Company's IT and Engineering
departments. No significant IT or engineering projects are being deferred as a
result of the Company's Year 2000 efforts.

                                       25
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


The Company is also in the process of assessing the Year 2000 readiness of its
"key" vendors using questionnaires and letters. In the event a critical vendor
is found to be non-compliant, the Company will develop contingency plans to
address the issue.

As the Company is not dependent on any significant customer, and given the
nature of the scrap business, no Year 2000 assessment of customers is
anticipated.

At the present time, the Company has not expended the resources to develop a
contingency plan with respect to year 2000 compliance as the Company believes it
will be Year 2000 ready.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the year ended August 31, 1998, cash generated by operations was $13.3
million compared to $23.1 million for the same period last year. The decrease in
cash generated this year is predominantly due to a decrease in net income and an
increase in inventories, off-set by a decrease in accounts receivable.

Capital expenditures and payments for purchase of interest in joint ventures
totaled $31.3 million, $58.5 million and $44.6 million for fiscal years 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. Expenditures for fiscal 1997 included the
acquisition of Proler for $42.5 million and remaining payments for the new wire
rod block completed in February 1997. During fiscal 1996, the Company incurred
significant capital outlays related to construction of a new rod and bar mill
which was placed into service in February 1996. The Company expects to spend
approximately $18 million on capital improvements during fiscal 1999.

As part of its acquisitions of Proler and MMI, the Company assumed environmental
liabilities aggregating $28.3 million as of August 31, 1998. The Company expects
to require significant future cash outlays as it incurs the actual costs
relating to the remediation of such environmental liabilities.

In June 1997, the company completed a renegotiation of its unsecured revolving
credit agreement whereby it increased the facility to $200 million and extended
the maturity of the facility to June 2002. During fiscal 1998, the maturity of
the facility was extended to June 2003. As of August 31, 1998, the Company also
had additional lines of credit available of $75 million, $55 million of which
was uncommitted. In the aggregate, the Company had borrowings outstanding under
these lines of $130.1 million. The increase in borrowings outstanding under the
lines since August 31, 1997 is predominantly due to additional borrowings to
support joint venture operations and capital expenditures.

Pursuant to a stock repurchase program announced by the Company in May 1994 and
amended in April 1998, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 1.6 million
shares of its stock when the market price of the Company's stock is not
reflective of management's opinion of an appropriate valuation of the stock.
Management believes that repurchasing shares under these conditions enhances
shareholder value. As of August 31, 1998, a total of 448,300 shares had been
purchased under this program. During fiscal 1998, the Company repurchased
196,000 shares of its stock for a total of $5.1 million.

The Company believes that the current cash balance, internally generated funds
and existing credit facilities will provide adequate financing for capital
expenditures, working capital, joint ventures, stock repurchases and debt
service requirements for the next year. In the longer term, the company may seek
to finance business expansion with additional borrowing arrangements or
additional equity financing.

                                       26
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


Forward Looking Statements

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A
of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, all
of which are subject to risks and uncertainties. One can identify these forward
looking statements through the use of words such as "expect," "believe," and
other words which convey a similar meaning. One can also identify these
statements as they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They
are likely to address the Company's business strategy, financial projections and
results and other global factors affecting the Company's financial prospects. An
example of this is the current financial crisis facing certain Asian countries
and Year 2000 compliance matters. Other factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially are the following: supply and demand conditions; the
Company's ability to mitigate the effects of the Asian situation and foreign
fiscal policies on its profitability; railroad service difficulties; competitive
factors and pricing pressures from national steel companies; imports of foreign
steel; availability of scrap supply; fluctuations in scrap prices and
seasonality of results. One should understand that it is not possible to predict
or identify all factors that could cause actual results to differ from the
Company's forward looking statements. Consequently, the reader should not
consider any such list to be a complete statement of all potential risks or
uncertainties. Further, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any
forward looking statement.

                                       27
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K
                               PART II (CONTINUED)


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


     Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule

                                                                            Page

     Report of Independent Accountants........................................29

     Consolidated Balance Sheet - August 31, 1998 and 1997....................30

     Consolidated Statement of Operations - Years ended
         August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996......................................31

     Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - Years ended
         August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996......................................32

     Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - Years ended
         August 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996......................................33

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................34


     All other schedules and exhibits are omitted, as the information is not
     applicable or is not required.

                                       28
<PAGE>
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statements of operations, of shareholders' equity and of cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Schnitzer
Steel Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries at August 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended August 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.



PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Portland, Oregon
October 6, 1998

                                       29
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                                                   August 31,
                                                                          ----------------------------
                                                                                 1998             1997
                                                                          -----------      -----------
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>        
                                     ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
     Cash                                                                 $     3,800      $     3,106
     Accounts receivable, less allowance for
        doubtful accounts of $645 and $524                                     26,161           31,010
     Accounts receivable from related parties                                   3,428            1,215
     Inventories (Note 2)                                                     103,136           95,154
     Deferred income taxes (Note 6)                                             5,723           10,737
     Prepaid expenses and other                                                 8,020            3,168
                                                                          -----------      -----------
            TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                              150,268          144,390
                                                                          -----------      -----------

NET PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Note 3)                                      142,582          151,136
                                                                          -----------      -----------

OTHER ASSETS:
     Investment in joint venture partnerships (Note 11)                       103,494           91,979
     Advances to (from) joint venture partnerships (Note 11)                   23,957          (10,229)
     Goodwill                                                                  41,017           42,230
     Intangibles and other                                                     10,022            8,480
                                                                          -----------      -----------

                                                                          $   471,340      $   427,986
                                                                          ===========      ===========

                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
     Current portion of long-term debt (Note 4)                           $       168      $       361
     Accounts payable                                                          19,056           19,456
     Accrued payroll liabilities                                                5,603            5,158
     Current portion of environmental liabilities (Note 5)                      5,552            5,787
     Other accrued liabilities                                                  8,781            8,730
                                                                          -----------      -----------
             TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                         39,160           39,492
                                                                          -----------      -----------

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Note 6)                                                 24,619           28,409
                                                                          -----------      -----------

LONG-TERM DEBT LESS CURRENT PORTION (Note 4)                                  140,236           92,881
                                                                          -----------      -----------

ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES,
     NET OF CURRENT PORTION (Note 5)                                           22,749           24,530
                                                                          -----------      -----------

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Note 8)                                            3,140            3,613
                                                                          -----------      -----------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 5 and 7)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Preferred stock--20,000 shares authorized, none issued
     Class A common stock--75,000 shares $1 par value
         authorized, 5,555 and 5,737 shares issued and outstanding              5,555            5,737
     Class B common stock--25,000 shares $1 par value
         authorized, 4,431 and 4,445 shares issued and outstanding              4,431            4,445
     Additional paid-in capital                                               105,124          109,994
     Retained earnings                                                        126,326          118,885
                                                                          -----------      -----------
                                                                              241,436          239,061
                                                                          -----------      -----------

                                                                          $   471,340      $   427,986
                                                                          ===========      ===========


         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
</TABLE>

                                       30
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                                      Year Ended August 31,
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------
                                                           1998                   1997                1996
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------
<S>                                                  <C>                 <C>                 <C>          
REVENUES                                             $     353,093       $     361,753       $     339,352
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
      Cost of goods sold and
             other operating expenses                      311,185             314,785             290,841
      Selling and administrative                            22,538              21,238              18,860
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------

                                                           333,723             336,023             309,701
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------

INCOME FROM JOINT VENTURES (Note 11)                         4,115               6,876               3,291
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS                                      23,485              32,606              32,942

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
      Interest expense                                      (6,813)             (5,026)             (3,814)
      (Loss) gain on sale of assets                         (2,224)                203                 209
      Other income (Note 4)                                    791               4,388               1,452
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------

                                                            (8,246)               (435)             (2,153)
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES                                  15,239              32,171              30,789

Income tax provision (Note 6)                               (5,791)            (10,946)            (10,006)
                                                     -------------       -------------       -------------


NET INCOME                                           $       9,448       $      21,225       $      20,783
                                                     =============       =============       =============


BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE                             $        0.94       $        2.06       $        2.25
                                                     =============       =============       =============

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE                           $        0.93       $        2.05       $        2.24
                                                     =============       =============       =============


         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
</TABLE>

                                       31
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (in thousands)


                                              Class A                Class B
                                            Common Stock           Common Stock         Additional
                                        --------------------   --------------------        Paid-in       Retained
                                          Shares      Amount     Shares      Amount        Capital       Earnings         Total
                                        --------  ----------   --------  ----------    -----------    -----------    ----------
<S>                                        <C>    <C>             <C>    <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>       
BALANCE AT 8/31/95                         3,128  $    3,128      4,761  $    4,761    $    47,322    $    80,762    $  135,973

Class A common stock issued                2,500       2,500                                67,350                       69,850
Class B common stock converted
    to Class A common stock                  186         186       (186)       (186)
Class A common stock repurchased             (41)        (41)                                 (925)                        (966)
Net income                                                                                                 20,783        20,783
Dividends paid                                                                                             (1,827)       (1,827)
                                        --------  ----------   --------  ----------    -----------    -----------    ----------

BALANCE AT 8/31/96                         5,773  $    5,773      4,575  $    4,575    $   113,747    $    99,718    $  223,813

Class B common stock converted
    to Class A common stock                  130         130       (130)       (130)
Class A common stock repurchased            (166)       (166)                               (3,753)                      (3,919)
Net income                                                                                                 21,225        21,225
Dividends paid                                                                                             (2,058)       (2,058)
                                        --------  ----------   --------  ----------    -----------    -----------    ----------

BALANCE AT 8/31/97                         5,737  $    5,737      4,445  $    4,445    $   109,994    $   118,885    $  239,061

Class B common stock converted
    to Class A common stock                   14          14        (14)        (14)
Class A common stock repurchased            (196)       (196)                               (4,870)                      (5,066)
Net income                                                                                                  9,448         9,448
Dividends paid                                                                                             (2,007)       (2,007)
                                        --------  ----------   --------  ----------    -----------    -----------    ----------

BALANCE AT 8/31/98                         5,555  $    5,555      4,431  $    4,431    $   105,124    $   126,326    $  241,436
                                        ========  ==========   ========  ==========    ===========    ===========    ==========


         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
</TABLE>

                                       32
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)


                                                                           Year Ended August 31,
                                                           ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                   1998                1997                1996
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------
<S>                                                        <C>                 <C>                 <C>         
OPERATIONS:
Net income                                                 $      9,448        $     21,225        $     20,783
Noncash items included in income:
     Depreciation and amortization                               18,714              18,265              13,994
     Deferred income taxes                                        1,224              (2,211)              3,517
     Equity in earnings of joint ventures                        (4,115)             (6,876)             (3,291)
     Loss (gain) on disposal of assets                            2,224                (180)               (209)
Cash provided (used) by assets and liabilities:
     Accounts receivable                                          2,636              (5,345)             (6,564)
     Inventories                                                 (7,982)             (2,267)            (18,893)
     Prepaid expenses and other                                  (4,852)              2,414              (2,299)
     Accounts payable                                              (400)             (3,929)             (2,719)
     Accrued payroll and other liabilities                          496               4,507              (4,031)
     Environmental liabilities                                   (2,016)             (2,420)
     Other assets and liabilities                                (2,030)                (49)             (6,127)
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------

NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATIONS                           13,347              23,134              (5,839)
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------

INVESTMENTS:
Payment for purchase of Proler (Note 12)                                            (42,456)
Capital expenditures                                            (14,205)            (15,486)            (44,589)
Advances (to) from joint ventures                               (34,198)             14,392                (324)
Investments in joint ventures                                   (17,104)               (550)
Distributions from joint ventures                                 9,679               1,442               2,370
Capitalization of losses on assets held for sale                                     (1,689)
Proceeds from sale of assets                                      3,086               4,887               1,839
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------

NET CASH USED BY INVESTMENTS                                    (52,742)            (39,460)            (40,704)
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------

FINANCING:
Proceeds from sale of Class A common stock                                                               69,850
Repurchase of Class A common stock                               (5,066)             (3,919)               (966)
Dividends declared and paid                                      (2,007)             (2,058)             (1,827)
Increase in long-term debt                                       47,500              48,600
Reduction in long-term debt                                        (338)            (25,087)            (20,216)
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING                                   40,089              17,536              46,841
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------

NET INCREASE IN CASH                                                694               1,210                 298

CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                                         3,106               1,896               1,598
                                                           ------------        ------------        ------------

CASH AT END OF YEAR                                        $      3,800        $      3,106        $      1,896
                                                           ============        ============        ============


         The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
</TABLE>

                                       33
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:


Nature of Business

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (the Company) operates a scrap metal processing
and recycling business and a mini-mill steel production business in Alaska,
Washington, Oregon and California. Additionally, through joint ventures, the
Company participates in the management of additional scrap collection and
processing facilities in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine,
Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.


Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company, through subsidiaries, holds a 50%
interest in ten joint ventures operating in the Western and Eastern United
States and a 30% interest in one joint venture in Rhode Island, which are
accounted for using the equity method. All intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using
LIFO (last-in, first-out) and average cost methods.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Major renewals and
improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are
charged to operations as incurred.

Depreciation is determined principally using the straight-line method over
estimated useful lives of 20 to 40 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for
equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the estimated useful lives
of the property or the remaining lease term, whichever is less. When assets are
retired or sold, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from
the accounts and resulting gains or losses are included in other income.

Goodwill
Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. At August
31, 1998 and 1997, accumulated amortization aggregated $4,943 and $3,670,
respectively. Goodwill is periodically reviewed by the Company for impairments
where the fair value may be less than the carrying value.

Common Stock Voting Rights

Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote and each share of
Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes.

                                       34
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
         (Continued):

Earnings Per Share
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per Share", which specifies the
computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share
("EPS"). SFAS 128 replaces the presentation of primary and fully diluted EPS
with basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed based upon the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS
reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other
contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
The following represents a reconciliation from basic EPS to diluted EPS.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Twelve Months ended August 31, 1998
                                               --------------------------------------------
                                                Income            Shares          Per-share
                                              (Numerator)     (Denominator)          Amount
                                               ---------       -----------       ----------
          <S>                                  <C>                  <C>          <C>       
          Basic EPS                            $   9,448            10,048       $     0.94
          Options                                                       69       ==========
                                               ---------         ---------
          Diluted EPS                          $   9,448            10,117       $     0.93
                                               =========         =========       ==========


                                                   Twelve Months ended August 31, 1997
                                               --------------------------------------------
                                                Income            Shares          Per-share
                                              (Numerator)     (Denominator)          Amount
                                               ---------       -----------       ----------
          <S>                                  <C>                  <C>          <C>       
          Basic EPS                            $  21,225            10,305       $     2.06
          Options                                                       72       ==========
                                               ---------         ---------
          Diluted EPS                          $  21,225            10,377       $     2.05
                                               =========         =========       ==========


                                                   Twelve Months ended August 31, 1996
                                               --------------------------------------------
                                                Income            Shares          Per-share
                                              (Numerator)     (Denominator)          Amount
                                               ---------       -----------       ----------
          <S>                                  <C>                  <C>          <C>       
          Basic EPS                            $  20,783             9,238       $     2.25
          Options                                                       58       ==========
                                               ---------         ---------
          Diluted EPS                          $  20,783             9,296       $     2.24
                                               =========         =========       ==========
</TABLE>

Options with an exercise price greater than the average market price were not
included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. These options totaled
98 in 1998.

Interest and Income Taxes Paid
The Company paid $6,535, $5,093 and $5,016 in interest during fiscal years 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively. For the same periods, the Company paid $7,440,
$7,283 and $10,703 in income taxes.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Cash, receivables and current liabilities are reflected in the consolidated
financial statements at fair value because of the short-term maturity of these
instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is deemed to be the same as that
reflected in the consolidated financial statements given the variable interest
rates on the significant credit facilities. There are no quoted prices for the
Company's investments in joint ventures accounted for on the equity method. A
reasonable estimate of fair value could not be made without incurring excessive
costs.

                                       35
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of prior year balances have been made for consistent
presentation with the current year.


Note 2 - Inventories:

Inventories consist of the following:

                                                            August 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                         1998              1997
                                                   ----------        ----------
          Scrap metals                             $   28,952        $   26,897
          Work in process                              13,192            24,358
          Finished goods                               44,276            28,109
          Supplies                                     16,716            15,790
                                                   ----------        ----------
                                                   $  103,136        $   95,154
                                                   ==========        ==========


Scrap metal inventories are valued at LIFO; the remainder are at average cost.
The cost of scrap metal inventories exceeded the stated LIFO value by $5,811 and
$8,039 at August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The production and accounting process utilized by the Company to record scrap
inventory quantities relies on significant estimates which can be affected by
weight imprecisions, moisture and other factors.


Note 3 - Property, Plant and Equipment:

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:

                                                            August 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                         1998              1997
                                                   ----------        ----------
          Land and improvements                    $   33,034        $   32,580
          Buildings and leasehold improvements         15,835            15,757
          Machinery and equipment                     216,649           212,380
          Construction in progress                      3,918             4,846
                                                   ----------        ----------
                                                      269,436           265,563

          Less accumulated depreciation              (126,854)         (114,427)
                                                   ----------        ----------

                                                   $  142,582        $  151,136
                                                   ==========        ==========


Capitalized interest costs associated with construction were $292 in fiscal year
1997.

                                       36
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 4 - Long-Term Debt:

Long-term debt consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       August 31,
                                                                              ----------------------------
                                                                                    1998              1997
                                                                              ----------        ----------
<S>                                                                           <C>               <C>       
Bank unsecured revolving credit facility, $200,000 maximum                    $  130,100        $   82,600

Tax-exempt economic development revenue bonds due
January 2022, interest payable monthy at variable rate
(3.5% at August 31, 1998), secured by a letter of credit                           7,700             7,700

State of Oregon loan for energy conservation equipment,
secured by equipment, 7.89% fixed-rate interest, principal
and interest installments payable monthly through June 2011                        2,096             2,188

Other                                                                                508               754
                                                                              ----------        ----------

Total long-term debt                                                             140,404            93,242

Less portion due within one year                                                     168               361
                                                                              ----------        ----------

Long-term debt less current portion                                           $  140,236        $   92,881
                                                                              ==========        ==========
</TABLE>


At August 31, 1998, the Company had a $200,000 unsecured revolving credit
facility with its banks. Individual advances outstanding under the line bear
interest at floating rates. As of August 31, 1998, such rates averaged 5.8%.
Interest is payable upon maturity of each advance under the line. The facility
matures in June 2003, at which time all principal amounts outstanding are due.

In addition to the above facility, the Company has additional unsecured lines of
credit totaling $75,000, of which $20,000 is committed.

The committed bank credit facilities and other borrowings contain financial
covenants, including covenants related to net worth, interest coverage and
leverage.

Payments on long-term debt during the next five fiscal years are as follows:

                    1999                   $       168
                    2000                           192
                    2001                           205
                    2002                           220
                    2003                       130,333
                    Thereafter                   9,286
                                           -----------
                                           $   140,404
                                           ===========

                                       37
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 4 - Long-Term Debt (Continued):

In February 1998, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements with
two of its banks for the purpose of managing its exposure to adverse movements
in interest rates and fixing the cost of various debt instruments. The Company
does not use financial instruments for trading purposes, and is not a party to
leveraged derivatives. Pursuant to the swap agreements, the Company exchanged
its floating rate interest obligations of $50,000 notional principal amount for
a fixed interest obligation of 5.55% for three years. The differential paid or
received on interest rate agreements is recognized as an adjustment to interest
expense.

In February 1997, the Company entered into an interest rate agreement for the
sole purpose of locking in the interest rate on a planned private placement of
debt. The Company subsequently decided against pursuing the private placement in
April 1997 and, thus, recognized the deferred gain on the agreement of
approximately $3 million. This amount is included in other income in the
accompanying statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 1997.

On June 15, 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (FAS 133).
FAS 133 is effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 1999. FAS 133 requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on
the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives
are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income,
depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction
and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. Management of the Company
anticipates that, due to its limited use of derivative instruments, the adoption
of FAS 133 will not have a significant effect on the Company's results of
operations or its financial position.

Note 5 - Environmental Liabilities:

In conjunction with the due diligence proceedings for the Company's acquisition
of Manufacturing Management, Inc. (MMI) in March 1995, an independent
third-party consultant was hired to estimate the costs to cure both current and
future potential environmental liabilities. The cumulative provision for the
total costs specified in the consultant's report was included in MMI's statement
of operations prior to its acquisition by the Company. This reserve was carried
over to the Company's balance sheet and at August 31, 1998 aggregated $20.2
million.

General Metals of Tacoma (GMT), a subsidiary of MMI, owns and operates a scrap
facility located on the Hylebos Waterway, a part of Commencement Bay, which is
the subject of an ongoing environmental investigation and remediation project by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). GMT and well
over 60 other parties were named potentially responsible parties (PRP) for the
investigation and clean up of contaminated sediment along the Hylebos Waterway.
GMT and five other PRPs voluntarily have entered into an Administrative Order on
Consent with the EPA to fund a pre-remedial study of sediment contamination and
remediation alternatives. GMT's share of the study, which is now expected to be
completed in late 1999, is approximately $2 million. Any further potential
liabilities, if any, cannot be estimated at this time.

In 1996, prior to the Company's acquisition of Proler (see Note 12), an
independent third-party consultant was engaged to estimate the costs to cure
present and future environmental liabilities related to Proler's wholly owned
and joint venture properties. Proler recorded a liability of $8.6 million for
the probable costs to remediate its wholly owned properties based upon the
consultant's estimates, increasing its environmental reserve to $9.8 million.
The Company carried over the aggregate reserve to its financial statements upon
acquiring Proler and $8.1 million remained outstanding on August 31, 1998. Also,
Proler's joint ventures recorded additional liabilities of $4.1 million for the
probable costs to remediate their properties, based upon the consultant's
estimates, in 1996 prior to the Company's acquisition of Proler.

                                       38
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 5 - Environmental Liabilities (Continued):

Between 1982 and 1987, MRI Corporation (MRI), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Proler, operated a tin can shredding and detinning facility in Tampa, Florida.
In 1989 and 1992, the EPA conducted preliminary site investigations of this
property and, in December 1996, added the site to the "National Priorities
List". MRI and Proler, along with several other parties have been named as PRPs
for the site by the EPA. Additionally, Proler and this subsidiary have been
named or identified as PRPs at several other sites. Proler included the probable
costs associated with this site in the aforementioned reserve.

As part of the Proler acquisition, the Company became a fifty-percent owner of
Hugo Neu-Proler Company (HNP). HNP has agreed, as part of its 1996 lease renewal
with the Port of Los Angeles, to be responsible for a multi-year, phased
remedial clean-up project involving certain environmental conditions on its
scrap processing facility at its Terminal Island site in Los Angeles, California
by the year 2001. Remediation will include limited excavation and treatment of
contaminated soils, paving, installation of a stormwater management system,
construction of a noise barrier and perimeter wall around the facility, and
groundwater monitoring. The probable costs to remediate this property are
included in the aforementioned reserve.


Note 6 - Income Taxes:

The provision for income taxes is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 August 31,
                                               ---------------------------------------------
                                                     1998              1997             1996
                                               ----------        ----------        ---------
          <S>                                  <C>               <C>               <C>      
          Current:
               Federal                         $    3,075        $    5,361        $   7,235
               State                                  858               786              721
          Deferred:
               Federal                              1,633             4,199            1,678
               State                                  225               600              372
                                               ----------        ----------        ---------
                                               $    5,791        $   10,946        $  10,006
                                               ==========        ==========        =========
</TABLE>

                                       39
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 6 - Income Taxes (Continued):

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       August 31,
                                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                                  1998                 1997
                                                                            ----------            ---------
          <S>                                                               <C>                   <C>
          AMT carryforward                                                  $    1,031
          Segment held for sale                                                   (853)           $   3,707
          Inventory valuation methods                                            2,810                3,380
          Employee benefit accruals                                              2,777                3,137
          State income tax and other                                               (42)                 513
                                                                            ----------            ---------
               Net current deferred tax assets                              $    5,723            $  10,737
                                                                            ==========            =========
          Accelerated depreciation
            and basis differences                                           $   36,688            $  40,798
          Environmental liabilities                                            (11,274)             (11,891)
          Net operating loss carryforwards                                     (10,856)             (10,856)
          Other                                                                   (795)                (498)
                                                                            ----------           ----------
                                                                                13,763               17,553
          Deferred tax asset valuation allowance                                10,856               10,856
                                                                            ----------           ----------

               Net non-current deferred tax liabilities                     $   24,619           $   28,409
                                                                            ==========           ==========
</TABLE>

Upon the acquisition of Proler, the Company acquired net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $31,019 which expire in the years 2007 through
2012, and minimum tax credits carryforwards of $742, all of which arose in
Proler's pre-acquisition years. Under federal income tax rules, utilization of
the Company's acquired net operating loss carryforwards and acquired minimum tax
credits from Proler is limited to future earnings of Proler and are further
limited to approximately $2,395 per year. No benefit for the net operating loss
carryforwards or the acquired minimum tax credits has been recognized in the
financial statements.

The reasons for the difference between the effective income tax rate and the
statutory federal income tax rate are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 August 31,
                                               ---------------------------------------------
                                                     1998              1997             1996
                                               ----------        ----------        ---------
          <S>                                         <C>               <C>              <C>
          Federal statutory rate                      35%               35%              35%
          Foreign sales corporation                   (3)               (5)              (5)
          State taxes, net of credit                   5                 3                2
          Other                                        1                 1                1
                                               ----------        ----------        ---------

                                                      38%               34%              33%
                                               ==========        ==========        =========
</TABLE>

                                       40
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 7 - Related Party Transactions:

Certain shareholders of the Company own significant interest in, or are related
to owners of, the entities discussed below. As such, these entities are
considered related parties for financial reporting purposes.

Transactions Affecting Cost of Goods Sold and Other Operating Expenses

The Company charters several vessels from related companies to transport scrap
metal to foreign markets. Charges incurred for these charters were $6,726,
$9,296 and $7,943 for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In 1993, the Company
signed a five-year time-charter agreement for one vessel which expired in June
1998. The agreement guaranteed the ship owner a residual market value of $2,500
at the end of the time-charter. Upon expiration of the time charter, the Company
paid the guaranteed residual and entered into an additional five year time
charter. The Company has accounted for the transaction as a capital lease, as
ownership of the vessel is transferred at expiration of the time-charter. The
Company entered into two additional seven-year time charters in May 1995 for
other vessels. In August 1996, these two time charters were re-negotiated due to
the condition of the vessels and lower charter rates experienced in the shipping
industry resulting in a $769 refund of time-charter expenses related to the
first three fiscal quarters of 1996. This refund was recorded in the fourth
quarter of 1996.

The Company purchased scrap metals from its joint venture operations totaling
$15,825, $13,856 and $8,513 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The Company leases certain land and buildings from a related real estate company
under operating leases. The following table summarizes the lease terms, annual
rents and future minimum rents:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Lease                Current
          Location:                                            Expirations          Annual Rent
          --------                                             -----------          -----------
          <S>                                                  <C>                    <C>
          Scrap Operations:
            Portland facility and marine terminal                 2063                $1,056
            Sacramento facility                                   2003                    80
          Administrative offices                               2002 - 2006               254
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Minimum        Sublease        Net Minimum
                                                    Rents          Income              Rents
                                                  -------        --------        -----------
          <S>                                       <C>              <C>               <C>  
          1999                                      1,390            (38)              1,352
          2000                                      1,390            (38)              1,352
          2001                                      1,390            (38)              1,352
          2002                                      1,313                              1,313
          2003                                      1,236                              1,236
          Thereafter                               63,811
</TABLE>


The rent expense was $1,330, $1,351 and $1,274 for 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

The rents for Scrap Operations will be adjusted in 1999 based upon changes in
the Consumer and the Producer Price Indices. Beginning in 2003 and every 15
years thereafter, the rent will be adjusted to then market rates.

                                       41
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 7 - Related Party Transactions (Continued):

Transactions Affecting Selling and Administrative Expenses

The Company performs some administrative services and provides operation and
maintenance of management information systems for certain related parties. These
services are charged to the related parties based upon cost plus a 15% margin
for overhead and profit. These administrative charges totaled $1,223, $1,046 and
$816 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Transactions Affecting Other Income (Expense)

The vessels discussed above are periodically sub-chartered to third parties. In
this case, a related shipping agency company acts as the Company's agent in the
collection of income and payment of expenses related to sub-charter activities.
For the years ended August 31, 1998 and 1997, charges incurred for these
sub-charters aggregated $3,151 and $871, offset by income of $3,099 and $747,
respectively. Charges incurred for these sub-charters totaled $3,135 in fiscal
1996, net of a $163 refund recorded in the fourth quarter, resulting from the
re-negotiation of time-charter contracts previously discussed above. These
charges were offset by income of $3,157.

Included in other assets are $3,340 and $1,180 notes receivable from joint
venture partners at August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Interest income from
both these notes and advances to joint venture partnerships totaled $944, $580,
and $309 for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

In February 1996, the Company sold a parcel of land to a related real estate
company. The Company received $585,000, recognizing no gain or loss on the
transaction.

Transactions Affecting Property, Plant & Equipment

From time to time, the law firm of Ball Janik LLP, of which director Robert S.
Ball is a partner, provides legal services to the Company. Mr. Ball is a
director, significant shareholder and the secretary of Electrical Construction
Company (ECC), an electrical contractor, which has provided electrical
construction services on the Company's new rolling mill. The Company paid ECC
$7,301 in 1996. No payments to ECC were made in fiscal 1997 and 1998.

                                       42
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 8 - Employee Benefits:

In accordance with union agreements, the Company contributed to union pension
plans $2,065, $2,164 and $1,782, in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. These are
multi-employer plans and, consequently, the Company is unable to determine its
relative portion of or estimate its future liability under the plans.

The Company has several defined contribution plans covering nonunion employees.
The pension cost related to these plans totaled $1,060, $1,028 and $1,268 for
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

For some nonunion employees, the Company also maintains a defined benefit
pension plan. The Company has funded the maximum contribution deductible for
federal income tax purposes. The following table sets forth the change in
benefit obligation, change in plan assets and funded status at August 31, 1998
and 1997 in accordance with SFAS 132.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           August 31,
                                                                     ---------------------
                                                                         1998         1997
                                                                     --------     --------
      <S>                                                            <C>          <C>     
      Change in benefit obligation:
            Benefit obligation at beginning of year                  $  4,086     $  3,546
            Service cost                                                  634          529
            Interest cost                                                 307          258
            Actuarial loss                                                443           85
            Acquisition                                                                 (1)
            Benefits paid                                                (278)        (331)
                                                                     --------     --------
            Benefit obligation at end of year                        $  5,192     $  4,086
                                                                     ========     ========

       Change in plan assets:
            Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year           $  4,162     $  3,350
            Actual return on plan assets                                 (336)       1,143
            Employer contribution                                         331
            Benefits paid                                                (278)        (331)
                                                                     --------     --------
            Fair value of plan assets at end of year                 $  3,879     $  4,162
                                                                     ========     ========

       Funded status:
            Plan assets greater than or (less) than
                   benefit obligation                                $ (1,314)    $     76
            Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)                            748         (395)
            Unrecognized prior service cost                                67           71
                                                                     --------     --------
            Accrued benefit cost                                     $   (499)    $   (248)
                                                                     ========     ========
</TABLE>


Assumptions used each year in determining the defined benefit net pension cost
are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    August 31,
                                                  ---------------------------------------------
                                                        1998              1997             1996
                                                  ----------        ----------        ---------
       <S>                                              <C>               <C>              <C>
       Weighted average discount rate                   7.0%              7.5%             7.5%
       Expected rate of investment return               9.0%              9.0%             9.0%
       Expected rate of compensation increase           4.0%              4.5%             4.5%
</TABLE>

                                       43
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 8 - Employee Benefits (Continued):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              August 31,
                                                              -------------------------------------------
                                                                  1998              1997             1996
                                                              --------          --------          -------
       <S>                                                       <C>               <C>              <C>
       Components of net periodic pension benefit cost:
            Service cost                                         $ 634             $ 529            $ 367
            Interest cost                                          307               257              219
            Expected return on plan assets                        (363)             (299)            (248)
            Amortization of past service cost                        4                 4                4
            Recognized actuarial loss                                1
                                                              --------          --------          -------
            Net periodic pension benefit cost                    $ 583             $ 491            $ 342
                                                              ========          ========          =======
</TABLE>


During 1991, the Company adopted a nonqualified supplemental retirement plan for
certain executives. A restricted trust fund has been established and invested in
life insurance policies which can be used for plan benefits, but which are
subject to claims of general creditors. The trust fund and deferred compensation
expense are classified as other assets. The status of this plan is summarized as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              August 31,
                                                              -------------------------------------------
                                                                  1998              1997             1996
                                                              --------          --------          -------
       <S>                                                     <C>               <C>              <C>
       Restricted trust fund                                   $   989           $   684          $   459
       Deferred compensation expense                               238               490              545
       Long-term pension liability                               1,195             1,343            1,249
       Pension cost                                                105               149              136
</TABLE>


Note 9 - Stock Incentive Plan:

In September 1993, the Company adopted a Stock Incentive Plan for employees,
consultants and directors of the Company. The plan covers 1,200,000 shares of
Class A common stock. All options have a ten-year term and become exercisable
for 20% of the shares covered by the option on each of the first five
anniversaries of the grant.

The Company records stock-based compensation under the provisions of Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB
25) and related Interpretations. An alternative method of accounting exists
under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," (SFAS 123) which requires the use of option valuation
models. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the Company's employee stock
options equaled the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant,
no compensation expense is recognized.

                                       44
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 9 - Stock Incentive Plan (Continued):

Pro forma information for fiscal years 1998 and 1997 regarding net income and
earnings per share is required by SFAS 123 and has been determined as if the
Company had accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method
of that Statement. The fair value for these awards was estimated at the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              August 31,
                                                              -------------------------------------------
                                                                  1998              1997             1996
                                                              --------          --------          -------
       <S>                                                     <C>              <C>              <C>
       Risk-free interest rate                                   5.5%             6.6%             6.6%
       Dividend yield                                            .01%             .01%             .01%
       Weighted average expected life of options               7.5 Years        7.5 Years        7.5 Years
       Volatility                                                .42              .43              .46
</TABLE>

For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting periods. The effects on
results of operations and earnings per share is not expected to be indicative of
the effects on results of operations or earnings per share in future years. The
Company's pro forma information follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              August 31,
                                                              -------------------------------------------
                                                                  1998              1997             1996
                                                              --------          --------          -------
       <S>                                                     <C>              <C>              <C>
       Pro forma net income                                    $ 8,975          $ 20,945         $ 20,736

       Pro forma earnings per share                            $  0.89          $   2.02         $   2.23
</TABLE>


A summary of the Company's stock option activity and related information for the
years ended August 31 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1998                    1997                    1996
                                        ---------------------   ---------------------   ---------------------
                                                     Weighted                Weighted                Weighted
                                                      Average                 Average                 Average
                                                     Exercise                Exercise                Exercise
                                          Options       Price     Options       Price     Options       Price
                                        ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Outstanding-beginning of year                 430    $  22.33         295    $  21.10         181    $  19.11
Options granted                                98    $  24.25         137    $  25.00         114    $  24.25
Options canceled                               (5)   $  24.55          (2)   $  24.25
                                        ---------               ---------               ---------
Outstanding - end of year                     523    $  22.67         430    $  22.33         295    $  21.10
                                        =========               =========               =========
Exercisable at end of year                    199    $  20.96         115    $  19.99          56    $  18.85
                                        =========               =========               =========
Weighted-average fair value of
options granted during year              $  13.33                $  14.11                $  14.37
                                        =========               =========               =========
</TABLE>

Exercise prices for options outstanding as of August 31, 1998 ranged from $18 to
$25. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of those options is 7.8
years.

                                       45
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 10 - Segment Information:

The Company operates in two industry segments: scrap metal processing and
recycling, and mini-mill steel production. The business segments operate in
Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California.

Intersegment sales, which are primarily from the Scrap Operations to the Steel
Operations, are transferred at a negotiated market rate per ton and are
eliminated in consolidation. Segment income from operations does not include
general corporate expenses or income taxes.

The Scrap Operations segment sells to foreign customers, primarily in Asia,
resulting in export sales of $109,646, $117,861 and $137,701 in 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. In 1996, sales to one customer accounted for 12% of
consolidated revenues.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   August 31,
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                    1998                 1997                 1996
                                                              ----------           ----------           ----------
<S>                                                           <C>                  <C>                  <C>       
Net revenues:
     Scrap operations                                         $  217,915           $  236,392           $  233,484
     Steel operations                                            191,346              183,740              160,019
Intersegment sales                                               (56,168)             (58,379)             (54,151)
                                                              ----------           ----------           ----------
                                                              $  353,093           $  361,753           $  339,352
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========

Income from operations:
     Scrap operations                                         $   16,473           $   27,399           $   29,587
     Steel operations                                              9,838                5,493                6,303
Income from joint ventures                                         4,115                6,876                3,291
     Corporate                                                    (6,941)              (7,162)              (6,239)
                                                              ----------           ----------           ----------
                                                              $   23,485           $   32,606           $   32,942
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========

Total assets:
     Scrap operations                                         $  241,507           $  208,266           $  133,324
     Steel operations                                            184,916              194,649              191,823
     Corporate                                                    44,917               25,071               12,342
                                                              ----------           ----------           ----------
                                                              $  471,340           $  427,986           $  337,489
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========

Depreciation and amortization expense:
     Scrap operations                                         $    8,190           $    7,573           $    6,891
     Steel operations                                             10,292               10,464                6,907
     Corporate                                                       232                  228                  196
                                                              ----------           ----------           ----------
                                                              $   18,714           $   18,265           $   13,994
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========

Capital expenditures:
     Scrap operations                                         $   12,481           $    6,295           $    7,695
     Steel operations                                              1,517                8,834               36,323
     Corporate                                                       207                  357                  571
                                                              ----------           ----------           ----------
                                                              $   14,205           $   15,486           $   44,589
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========
</TABLE>

                                       46
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 11 - Summarized Financial Information of Joint Ventures:

A summary of combined operations of joint ventures in which the Company is a
partner is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Year Ended August 31,
                                                       -------------------------------
                                                             1998                 1997
                                                       ----------           ----------
          <S>                                          <C>                  <C>       
          Current assets                               $  145,958           $   78,711
          Noncurrent assets                               109,309               66,482
                                                       ----------           ----------
                                                       $  255,267           $  145,193
                                                       ==========           ==========


          Current liabilities                          $   69,998           $   39,231
          Noncurrent liabilities                           15,197                6,146
          Minority interest                                                      1,509
          Partners' equity                                170,072               98,307
                                                       ----------           ----------
                                                       $  255,267           $  145,193
                                                       ==========           ==========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   August 31,
                                                              ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                    1998                 1997                 1996
                                                              ----------           ----------           ----------
          <S>                                                 <C>                  <C>                  <C>       
          Revenues                                            $  408,557           $  352,515           $   43,883
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========

          Income from operations                              $    6,309           $   14,399           $    7,691
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========

          Net income before taxes                             $    8,080           $   14,156           $    6,636
                                                              ==========           ==========           ==========
</TABLE>


The Company performs some administrative services and provides operation and
maintenance of management information systems to some of these joint ventures.
These administrative charges totaled $241, $214 and $184 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

Advances from and to joint venture partnerships from the Company are included in
noncurrent assets and liabilities above. Certain advances bear interest at the
prime rate less one percent. Although these advances are collectible on demand,
management does not intend to request payment in the foreseeable future.

                                       47
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 12 - Acquisition of Proler International Corp.:

On November 29, 1996, PIC Acquisition Corp. (PIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company, acquired 4,079,000 shares of common stock of Proler, representing
approximately 86% of the outstanding shares of Proler, for $9 cash per share
pursuant to a tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of
Proler. Subsequent to November 30, 1996, PIC purchased an additional 342,600
shares, thereby increasing its ownership to approximately 94% of the outstanding
Proler shares. On December 6, 1996, the Company completed the merger of PIC with
Proler and, as a result, Proler became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
As a result of the merger, all remaining outstanding shares of Proler common
stock were converted into the right to receive the same $9 per share in cash
paid in the tender offer. The Company borrowed funds to pay for the Proler
shares under its existing credit facilities.

The Company has accounted for this acquisition using the purchase method.
Accordingly, the purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and
the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the effective date of
the acquisition.

The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of consolidated
results of operations of the Company and Proler as though the acquisition had
occurred at the beginning of the periods shown.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         For the Year Ended
                                                             August 31,
                                                     ----------------------------
                                                           1997              1996
                                                     ----------        ----------
                                                           (in thousands)
          <S>                                        <C>               <C>       
          Revenues                                   $  364,899        $  353,096
                                                     ==========        ==========

          Net income                                 $   14,606        $   11,650
                                                     ==========        ==========

          Diluted earnings per share                 $     1.41        $     1.25
                                                     ==========        ==========
</TABLE>


During the year ended August 31, 1997, Proler recorded a provision for
environmental liabilities of $8.6 million.

These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and
include certain adjustments to give effect for the acquisition, together with
related income tax effects. They do not purport to be indicative of the results
of operations which actually would have resulted had the combination been in
effect at the beginning of the periods presented or of future results of
operations of the consolidated entities.

In conjunction with the acquisition, liabilities were assumed as follows:

          Fair value of assets acquired                        $ 100,685
          Cash paid for the stock                                 42,456
                                                               ---------
          Liabilities assumed                                  $  58,229
                                                               =========

                                       48
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


Note 13 - Disposal of Lathrop, California Facility:

In May 1998, the Company disposed of a tin scrap processing facility in Lathrop,
California. The facility was acquired as part of the Proler acquisition (Note
12). The sale resulted in a gain of $1.1 million, of which $.8 million was
recorded as a reduction in cost of goods sold and $.3 million as a gain on sale
of assets.


Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Fiscal Year 1998
                                              -------------------------------------------------------
                                                   First         Second          Third         Fourth
                                              ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>       
Net revenues                                  $  105,403     $   81,895     $   80,918     $   84,877
Income from operations                            10,562          6,802          5,519            602
Net income                                         6,289          3,777          2,569         (3,187)
Diluted earnings per share                           .61            .37            .26           (.32)


                                                                  Fiscal Year 1997
                                              -------------------------------------------------------
                                                   First         Second          Third         Fourth
                                              ----------     ----------     ----------     ----------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>       
Net revenues                                  $   82,700     $   76,599     $   89,297     $  113,157
Income from operations                             4,553          2,767         10,899         14,387
Net income                                         2,781          1,378          8,424          8,642
Diluted earnings per share                           .27            .13            .81            .84
</TABLE>

                                       49
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K

                               PART II (CONTINUED)


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

NONE.



                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information regarding directors is included under "Election of Directors" in the
Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is
incorporated herein by reference. Information with respect to executive officers
of the Company is included under Item 4(a) of Part I of this Report. Information
required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is included under "Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for
its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this item is included under "Executive Compensation"
and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the
Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is
incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Information with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management is included under "Voting Securities and Principal Shareholders" in
the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is
incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

The information required by this item is included under "Certain Transactions"
in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and
is incorporated herein by reference.

                                       50
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                    FORM 10-K


                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)   1.   The following financial statements are filed as part of this report:

           See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page
           28 of this Report.

      2.   All schedules are omitted as the information is either not applicable
           or is not required.

      3.   Exhibits:

           2.1    Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 15, 1996 between
                  the Registrant and Proler International Corp. Incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit (c) (1) to Registrants' Schedule 14D-1
                  filed September 20, 1996.

           3.1    1993 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.
                  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-69352
                  (the Form S-1).

           3.2    Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to
                  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1998, and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

           9.1    Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Voting Trust and Buy-Sell
                  Agreement dated March 31, 1991. Incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 9.1 to the Form S-1.

           9.2    First Amendment to Voting Trust and Buy-Sell Agreement dated
                  July 15, 1991. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.2 to the
                  Form S-1.

           9.3    Second Amendment to Voting Trust and Buy-Sell Agreement dated
                  November 30, 1996. Filed as Exhibit 9.3 to Registrant's Form
                  10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

           10.1   Lease Agreement dated September 1, 1988 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
                  the Corporate Headquarters. Incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.1 to the Form S-1.

           10.2   Second Amendment of Lease dated October 18, 1995 between
                  Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the
                  Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Registrant's
                  Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 1995,
                  and incorporated herein by reference.

           10.3   Second Extension of Lease dated May 28, 1996 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the Corporate
                  Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form
                  10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 31, 1996, and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

           10.4   Lease Agreement dated March 24, 1980 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
                  the Corporate Headquarters. Incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.2 to the Form S-1.

                                       51
<PAGE>
           10.5   Third Amendment of Lease dated May 29, 1996 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the Corporate
                  Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Form
                  10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 31, 1996, and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

           10.6   Fourth Amendment of Lease dated March 31, 1997 between
                  Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the
                  Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant's
                  Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

           10.7   Lease Agreement dated March 1, 1995 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the Corporate
                  Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrants Form 10-Q
                  for the quarterly period ended November 30, 1995, and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

           10.8   Amendment of lease dated March 31, 1997 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant relating to the Corporate
                  Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Registrant's Form 10-K
                  for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 and incorporated
                  herein by reference.

           10.9   Lease Agreement dated April 20, 1995 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the Corporate
                  Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant's Form 10-Q
                  for the quarterly period ended November 30, 1995, and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

           10.10  Lease Agreement dated February 18, 1997 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp and the Registrant relating to the Corporate
                  Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant's Form 10-K
                  for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1997 and incorporated
                  herein by reference.

           10.11  Lease Agreement dated September 1, 1988 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
                  the Portland scrap operations. Incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.3 to the Form S-1.

           10.12  Second Amendment to Lease dated October 28, 1994 between
                  Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to
                  Portland scrap operations. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
                  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November
                  30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

           10.13  Lease Agreement dated September 1, 1988 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
                  the Sacramento scrap operation. Incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.4 to the Form S-1.

           10.14  Amendment of lease dated February 8, 1995 between Schnitzer
                  Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the
                  Sacramento scrap operations. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
                  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November
                  30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

           10.15  Second Amended Shared Services Agreement dated September 13,
                  1993 between the Registrant and certain entities controlled by
                  shareholders of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.5 to the Form S-1.

           10.16  Amendment dated September 1, 1994 to Second Amended Shared
                  Services Agreement between the Registrant and certain entities
                  controlled by shareholders of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit
                  10.6 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                  August 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

           10.17  Uniform Time Charter dated June 22, 1998 between the
                  Registrant and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co.

                                       52
<PAGE>
           10.18  Uniform Time Charter dated May 9, 1995 between the Registrant
                  and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to
                  Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,
                  1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

           10.19  Addendum No. 4 to M/V Jade Pacific Uniform Time Charter
                  Agreement dated October 31, 1997 between the Registrant and
                  Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
                  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30,
                  1997, and incorporated by reference.

           10.20  Uniform Time Charter dated May 9, 1995 between the Registrant
                  and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to
                  Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,
                  1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

           10.21  Addendum No. 4 to M/V Jade Orient Uniform Time Charter
                  Agreement dated October 31, 1997 between the Registrant and
                  Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
                  Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30,
                  1997, and incorporated by reference.

          *10.22  1993 Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit
                  10.22 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                  August 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

          *10.23  Supplemental Executive Retirement Bonus Plan of the
                  Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
                  Form S-1.

          *10.24  Assistant Secretary's Certificate dated November 25, 1995
                  amending the Supplemental Executive Retirement Bonus Plan of
                  the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant's Form
                  10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 1995, and
                  incorporated herein by reference.

          *10.25  Deferred Bonus Agreement between the Company and an executive
                  officer. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's Form 10-Q for
                  the quarterly period ended May 31, 1996, and incorporated
                  herein by reference.

           10.26  Vessel Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 22, 1998 between
                  the Registrant and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co.

           21.1   Subsidiaries of Registrant.

           23.1   Consent of Independent Accountants.

           24.1   Powers of Attorney


                  *Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement


(b)   Reports on Form 8-K

      No reports on Form 8-K were required to be filed by the Registrant during
      the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998.

                                       53
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                       SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.

Dated:  November 24, 1998              By: /s/ BARRY A. ROSEN
        ---------------------              -------------------------------------
                                           Barry A. Rosen
                                           Vice President --
                                           Finance and Treasurer


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant on
November 24, 1998 in the capacities indicated.


Signature                              Title
- ---------                              -----

Principal Executive Officer:


*LEONARD SCHNITZER                     Chairman of the Board,
- ----------------------------------     Chief Executive Officer and Director
 Leonard Schnitzer                     


Principal Financial Officer:


 /s/ BARRY A. ROSEN                    Vice President -
- ----------------------------------     Finance and Treasurer
     Barry A. Rosen                    


Principal Accounting Officer:


*JAMES W. CRUCKSHANK                   Controller and Assistant
- ----------------------------------     Treasurer
 James W. Cruckshank                   

                                       54
<PAGE>
Directors:


*CAROL S. LEWIS                        Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Carol S. Lewis


*SCOTT LEWIS                           Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Scott Lewis


*KENNETH M. NOVACK                     Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Kenneth M. Novack


*ROBERT W. PHILIP                      Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Robert W. Philip


*JEAN S. REYNOLDS                      Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Jean S. Reynolds


*DORI SCHNITZER                        Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Dori Schnitzer


*GARY SCHNITZER                        Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Gary Schnitzer


*ROBERT S. BALL                        Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Robert S. Ball


*WILLIAM S. FURMAN                     Director
- ----------------------------------     
 William S. Furman


*RALPH R. SHAW                         Director
- ----------------------------------     
 Ralph R. Shaw


*By: /s/ BARRY A. ROSEN
     ----------------------------------
     Attorney-in-fact, Barry A. Rosen

                                       55
<PAGE>
                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS



2.1       Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 15, 1996
          between the Registrant and Proler International Corp.
          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (c) (1) to Registrant's
          Schedule 14D-1 filed September 20, 1996.

3.1       1993 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.
          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
          33-69352 (the Form S-1).

3.2       Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 1998,
          and incorporated herein by reference.

9.1       Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. Voting Trust and Buy-Sell
          Agreement dated March 31, 1991. Incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 9.1 to the Form S-1.

9.2       First Amendment to Voting Trust and Buy-Sell Agreement dated
          July 15, 1991. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.2 to
          the Form S-1.

9.3       Second Amendment to Voting Trust and Buy-Sell Agreement
          dated November 30, 1996. Filed as Exhibit 9.3 to
          Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,
          1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1      Lease Agreement dated September 1, 1988 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
          the Corporate Headquarters. Incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.1 to the Form S-1.

10.2      Second Amendment of Lease dated October 18, 1995 between
          Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to
          the Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
          November 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3      Second Extension of Lease dated May 28, 1996 between
          Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to
          the Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May
          31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.4      Lease Agreement dated March 24, 1980 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
          the Corporate 

                                  56
<PAGE>
          Headquarters. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
          the Form S-1.

10.5      Third Amendment of Lease dated May 29, 1996 between
          Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to
          the Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May
          31, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.6      Fourth Amendment of Lease dated March 31, 1997 between
          Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to
          the Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to
          Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,
          1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.7      Lease Agreement dated March 1, 1995 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the
          Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrants
          Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 1995,
          and incorporated herein by reference.

10.8      Amendment of lease dated March 31, 1997 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant relating to the
          Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to
          Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,
          1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.9      Lease Agreement dated April 20, 1995 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the
          Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
          November 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.10     Lease Agreement dated February 18, 1997 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant relating to the
          Corporate Headquarters. Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to
          Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31,
          1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.11     Lease Agreement dated September 1, 1988 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
          the Portland scrap operations. Incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.3 to the Form S-1.

10.12     Second Amendment to Lease dated October 28, 1994 between
          Schnitzer Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to
          Portland scrap operations. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
          November 30, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.13     Lease Agreement dated September 1, 1988 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant, as amended, relating to
          the Sacramento scrap operation. Incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.4 to the Form S-1.

10.14     Amendment of lease dated February 8, 1995 between Schnitzer
          Investment Corp. and the Registrant, relating to the
          Sacramento scrap operations. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the 

                                  57
<PAGE>
          quarterly period ended November 30, 1995, and incorporated
          herein by reference.

10.15     Second Amended Shared Services Agreement dated September 13,
          1993 between the Registrant and certain entities controlled
          by shareholders of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference
          to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form S-1.

10.16     Amendment dated September 1, 1994 to Second Amended Shared
          Services Agreement between the Registrant and certain
          entities controlled by shareholders of the Registrant. Filed
          as Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal
          year ended August 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by
          reference.

10.17     Uniform Time Charter dated June 22, 1998 between the
          Registrant and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co.

10.18     Uniform Time Charter dated May 9, 1995 between the
          Registrant and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit
          10.10 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
          August 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.19     Addendum No. 4 to M/V Jade Pacific Uniform Time Charter
          Agreement dated October 31, 1997 between the Registrant and
          Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30,
          1997, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.20     Uniform Time Charter dated May 9, 1995 between the
          Registrant and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit
          10.11 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
          August 31, 1995, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.21     Addendum No. 4 to M/V Jade Orient Uniform Time Charter
          Agreement dated October 31, 1997 between the Registrant and
          Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
          Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30,
          1997, and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.22    1993 Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant. Filed as
          Exhibit 10.22 to Registrant's Form 10-K for the fiscal year
          ended August 31, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference.

*10.23    Supplemental Executive Retirement Bonus Plan of the
          Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
          Form S-1.

*10.24    Assistant Secretary's Certificate dated November 25, 1995
          amending the Supplemental Executive Retirement Bonus Plan of
          the Registrant. Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Registrant's Form
          10-Q for the quarterly period ended November 30, 1995, and
          incorporated herein by reference.

                                  58
<PAGE>
*10.25    Deferred Bonus Agreement between the Company and an
          executive officer. Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Registrant's
          Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended May 31, 1996, and
          incorporated herein by reference.

10.26     Vessel Purchase and Sale Agreement dated June 22, 1998
          between the Registrant and Trans-Pacific Shipping Co.

21.1      Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23.1      Consent of Independent Accountants.

24.1      Powers of Attorney.

                                  59

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>
1.  Shipbroker                                               THE BALTIC AND INTERNATIONAL MARITIME CONFERENCE
                                                             UNIFORRM TIME-CHARTER
         N/A                                                 (Box Layout 1974) Code name: "BALTIME 1939"
                                                                                                         PART I
                                                            -------------------------------------------------------
                                                             2.  Place and date.
                                                                 Portland, Oregon   June 22, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.  Owners/Place of business                                 4.  Charterers/Place of business
         Trans-Pacific Shipping Co.                                   Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.
         80 Broad Street                                              3200 NW Yeon Avenue
         Monrovia, Liberia                                            P.O. Box 10047
                                                                      Portland,  OR  97206-0047
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.  Vessel's name                                            6.  GRT/NRT
         M/V PACDUKE                                                  15822  /  7486
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.  Class                                                    8.  Indicated horse power
         ABS                                                          9714
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.  Total tons d.w. (abt.) on Board of Trade summer          10.  Cubic feet grain/bale capacity
    freeboard
         26,670 MT                                                    32,866  /  32,089
- ------------------------------------------------------------
11.  Permanent bunkers (abt.)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.  Speed capability in knots (abt.) on a consumption in tons (abt.) of
         13.5 knots/28.5 metric tons (abt.) IFO (CST180) and 1.80 metric tons (abt.) MDO
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.  Present position

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.  Period of hire (Cl. 1)                                  15.  Port of delivery (Cl.1)
                                                                      N/A
          Sixty (60) calendar months.                       -------------------------------------------------------
                                                             16.  Time of delivery (Cl. 1)
                                                                      June 22, 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.  (a)  Trade limits (Cl. 2)

          See also Paragraph 56 of attached rider.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (b)  Cargo exclusions specially agreed

          See also Paragraph 27 of attached rider.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.  Bunkers on re-delivery (state min. and max. quantity) (Cl. 5)
         N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.  Charter hire (Cl. 6)                                    20.  Hire payment (state currency, method and place of
                                                                  payment: also beneficiary and bank account)
                                                                  (Cl. 6)
         See Box 20.                                                  USD2.500,000 in advance; hire payable
                                                                      to Owner's Bank:
                                                                      Wells Fargo Bank, Portland, Oregon USA
                                                                      ABA:  121000248
                                                                      Payable to Lasco Shipping Co.
                                                                      Account 4159 595099
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.  Place or range of re-delivery (Cl. 7)                   22.  War (only to be filled in if Section (O)
                                                                  agreed) Cl. 21)
         N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.  Cancelling date (Cl. 22)                                24.  Place of arbitration (only to be filled in if
                                                                  place other than London agreed) (Cl. 23)
          N/A                                                         Portland, Oregon
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.  Brokerage commission and to whom payable (Cl. 25)       26.  Numbers of additional clauses covering special
                                                                  provisions, if agreed
         N/A                                                          See attached Rider clauses 26-56
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is mutually agreed that this Contract shall be performed subject to the conditions contained in this Charter
which shall include Part I as well as Part II. In the event of a conflict of conditions, the provisions of Part I
shall prevail over those of part II to the extent of such conflict.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature (Owners)                                           Signature (Charterers)

         Signed:  DORI SCHNITZER                                      Signed:  ROBERT PHILIP
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
              "Baltime 1939" Uniform time-Charter (Box Layout 1974)

It is agreed between the party mentioned in Box 3 as owners of the Vessel named
in box 5 of the gross/net Register tonnage indicated in Box 6, classed as stated
in Box 7 and of indicated horse power as stated in Box 8, carrying about the
number of tons deadweight indicated in Box 9 on Board of Trade summer freeboard
inclusive of bunkers, stores, provisions and boiler water, having as per
builder's plan a cubic-feet grain/bale capacity as stated in Box 10, exclusive
of permanent bunkers, which contain about the number of tons stated in Box 11,
and fully loaded capable of steaming about the number of knots indicated in Box
12 in good weather and smooth water on a consumption of about the number of tons
best Welsh coal or oil-fuel stated in Box 12, now in position as stated in Box
13 and the party mentioned as Charterers in Box 4, as follows:

     1. Period/Port of Delivery/Time of Delivery. The Owners let, and the
Charterers hire the Vessel for a period of the number of calendar months
indicated in Box 14 from the time (not a Sunday or a legal Holiday unless taken
over) the Vessel is delivered and placed at the disposal of the Charterers
between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., or between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. if on Saturday, at the
port stated in Box 15 in such available berth where she can safely lie always
afloat, as the Charterers may direct, she being in every way fitted for ordinary
cargo service.

The vessel is to be delivered at the time indicated in Box 16.

     2. Trade. The Vessel to be employed in lawful trades for the carriage of
lawful merchandise only between good and safe ports or places where she can
safely lie always afloat within the limits stated in Box 17.

No live stock nor injurious, inflammable or dangerous goods (such as acids,
explosives, calcium carbide, ferro silicon, naphtha, motor spirit, tar, or any
of their products) to be shipped.

                       SEE PARAGRAPH 27 OF ATTACHED RIDER.

     3. Owners to Provide. The Owners to provide and pay for all provisions and
wages, for insurance of the Vessel, for all deck and engine-room stores and
maintain her in a thoroughly efficient state in hull and machinery during
service.

     4. Charterers to Provide. The Charterers to provide and pay for all coals,
including galley coal, oil-fuel, water for boilers, port charges, pilotages
(whether compulsory or not), canal steersmen, boatage, lights, tug-assistance,
consular charges (except those pertaining to the Master, Officers and Crew),
canal, dock and other dues and charges, including any foreign general
municipality or state taxes, also all dock, habour and tonnage dues at the ports
of delivery and re-delivery (unless incurred through cargo carried before
delivery or after re-delivery), agencies, commissions, also to arrange and pay
for loading, trimming, stowing (including dunnage and shifting boards, excepting
any already on board), unloading, weighing, tallying and delivery of cargoes,
surveys on hatches, meals supplied to officials and men in their service and all
other charges and expenses whatsoever including detention and expenses through
quarantine (including cost of fumigation and disinfection).

All ropes, slings and special runners actually used for loading and discharging
and any special gear, including special ropes, hawsers and chains required by
the custom of the port for mooring to be for the Charterers' account. The Vessel
to be fitted with as capable of handling lifts up to a minimum of 15 tons.

<PAGE>
     5. Bunkers. The Charterers at port of delivery to take over and pay for all
coal or oil-fuel remaining in the Vessel's bunkers at current price at the
respective ports.

     6. Payment. Payment of hire to be made in cash, in the currency stated in
Box 20, without discount.

     7. Re-delivery. Not Applicable

     8. Cargo Space. The whole reach and burthen of the Vessel, including lawful
deck-capacity to be at the Charterers' disposal, reserving proper and sufficient
space for the Vessel's Master, Officers, Crew, tackle, apparel, furniture,
provisions and stores.

     9. Master. The Master to prosecute all voyages with the utmost dispatch and
to render customary assistance with the Vessel's Crew. The Master to be under
the orders of the Charterers as regards employment, agency, or other
arrangements. The Charterers to indemnify the Owners against all consequences or
liabilities arising from the Master, Officers or Agents signing Bills of Lading
or other documents or otherwise complying with such orders, as well as from any
irregularity in the Vessel's papers or for overcarrying goods. The Owners not to
be responsible for shortage, mixture, marks, nor for number of pieces or
packages, nor for damage to or claims on cargo caused by bad stowage or
otherwise.

If the Charterers have reason to be dissatisfied with the conduct of the Master,
Officers, or Engineers, the Owners, on receiving particulars of the complaint,
promptly to investigate the matter, and if necessary and practicable, to make a
change in the appointments.

     10. Directions and Logs. The Charterers to furnish the Master with all
instructions and sailing directions with copy to Owners and the Master and
Engineer to keep full and correct logs accessible to the Charterers or their
Agents.

     11. Suspension of Hire etc. In the event of the Vessel being driven into
port or to anchorage through stress of weather, trading to shallow harbours or
to rivers or ports with bars or suffering an accident to her cargo, any
detention of the Vessel and/or expenses resulting from such detention to be for
the Charterers' account even if such detention and/or expenses, or the cause by
reason of which either is incurred, be due to, or be contributed to by, the
negligence of the Owners' servants.

     12. Cleaning Boilers. Cleaning of boilers whenever possible to be done
during service, but if impossible the Charterers to give the Owners necessary
time for cleaning.

     13. Responsibility and Exemption. The Owners only to be responsible for
delay in delivery of the Vessel or for delay during the currency of the Charter
and for loss or damage to goods onboard., if such delay or loss has been caused
by want of due diligence on the part of the Owners or their Manager in making
the Vessel seaworthy and fitted for the voyage or any other personal act or
omission or default of the Owners or their Manager. The Owners not to be
responsible in any other case nor for damage or delay whatsoever and howsoever
caused even if caused by the neglect or default of their servants. The Owners
not to be liable for loss or damage arising or resulting from strikes, lockouts
or stoppage or restraint of labour (including the Master, Officers or crew)
whether partial or general.


<PAGE>
The Charterers to be responsible for loss or damage caused to the Vessel or to
the Owners by goods being loaded contrary to the terms of the Charter or by
improper or careless bunkering or loading, stowing or discharging of goods or
any other improper or negligent act on their part or that of their servants.

     14. Advances. The Charterers or their Agents to advance to the Master, if
required, necessary funds for ordinary disbursement for the Vessel's account at
any port charging only interest at 6 per cent, p. a., such advances to be
deducted from hire.

     15. Excluded Ports. The Vessel not to be ordered to nor bound to enter: a)
any place where fever or epidemics are prevalent or to which the Master,
Officers and Crew by law are not bound to follow the Vessel; b) any ice-bound
place or any place where lights, lightships, marks and buoys are or are likely
to be withdrawn by reason of ice on the Vessel's arrival or where there is risk
that ordinarily the Vessel will not be able on account of ice to reach the place
or to get out after having completed loading or discharging. The Vessel not to
be obliged to force ice. If on account of ice the Master considers it dangerous
to remain at the loading or discharging place for fear of the Vessel being
frozen in and/or damaged, he has liberty to sail to a convenient open place and
await the Charterers' fresh instructions. Unforeseen detention through any of
above causes to be for the Charterers' account.

     16. Loss of Vessel. Deleted

     17. Overtime. The Vessel to work day and night if required. The Charterers
to refund the Owners their outlays for all overtime paid to Officers and Crew
according to the hours and rates stated in the Vessel's articles.

     18. Lien. The Owners to have a lien upon all cargoes and sub-freights
belonging to the Time-Charterers and any Bill of Lading freight for all claims
under this Charter, and the Charterers to have a lien on the Vessel for all
moneys paid in advance and not earned.

     19. Salvage. All salvage and assistance to other vessels to be for the
Owners' and the Charterers' equal benefit after deducting the Master's and
Crew's proportion and all legal and other expenses including hire paid under the
charter for time lost in the salvage, also repairs of damage and coal or
oil-fuel consumed. The Charterers to be bound by all measures taken by the
Owners in order to secure payment of salvage and to fix its amount.

     20. Sublet. The Charterers to have the option of subletting the Vessel,
giving due notice to the Owners, but the original Charterers always to remain
responsible to the Owners for due performance of the Charter.

     21. War. Deleted

     22. Cancelling. Deleted

     23. Arbitration. Any dispute arising under the Charter to be referred to
arbitration in Portland, Oregon, USA (or such other place as may be agreed
according to Box 24), one Arbitrator to be nominated by the Owners and the other
by the Charterers, and in case the Arbitrators shall not agree then to the
decision of an Umpire to be appointed by them, the award of the Arbitrators or
the Umpire to be final and binding upon both parties.


<PAGE>
     24. General Average. General Average to be settled according to
York/Antwerp Rules, 1974, as amended in 1990. Hire not to contribute to General
Average.

     25 Commission. Deleted.
<PAGE>
RIDER TO M/V PACDUKE
TIME CHARTER PARTY DATED JUNE 22, 1998


26. Chamber of Shipping Clause Paramount, New Jason Clause, Both-to-Blame
Collision Clause, War Risk Clause (1952), U.S.A. Clause Paramount (as
applicable) and Protection & Indemnity Bunkering Clause, as attached, are fully
incorporated in this Charter Party and the full text of each is to be included
in all Bills of Lading issued under this Charter Party. Any amendments to or
revisions of any of these clauses which have been recommended by Owners' P and I
Club are likewise to be incorporated. Charterers shall indemnify Owners for all
obligations of Owners and for all costs and expenses incurred by Owners under
Bills of Lading issued by Vessel, Charterers or their agents, which would not
have been incurred by Owners under the terms and conditions of this Charter.

27. Cargo to be lawful, harmless, non-hazardous bulk and general. cargoes
excluding dangerous cargo (as set forth in the IMO International Maritime
Dangerous Goods Code), hazardous and inflammable cargoes, mahogany logs,
livestock, asphalt, petroleum products (except Charterers to be permitted to
carry petcoke), tar, pitch, resins, explosives, weapons, arms, ammunition,
nuclear and radioactive materials and products, nuclear fuels and waste,
fishmeal, cotton, salt, hides, creosoted goods, turnings/ borings/shavings,
sponge iron, DRI pellets, hypochlorite and calcium carbide. All cargoes,
including but not limited to concentrates and petcoke, to be carried in
accordance with latest IMO, Liberian, USCG and country of loading regulations.
Charterers' option to load containers underdeck only (not on deck) one tier high
in holds atop other suitable cargo upon properly made floor, provided containers
are stowed and secured in accordance with the Master's instructions. It is
understood the vessel is not container fitted.

Scrap (excluding turnings, borings and shavings) is permitted to be carried,
provided it is loaded in accordance with the Master's requirements especially as
these requirements relate to protecting the vessel from damage during loading
and discharging. All scrap is to be lowered to the tank tops until a cushion of
a minimum depth of one meter is achieved. No magnets are to be attached to the
vessel's gear.

Carriage of deck cargo is always to be at the Master's discretion and
Master/Owners may reject deck cargo if the Master/Owners deem that it will
result in either insufficient or excessive GM.

All Bills of Lading in respect deck cargo to be claused: "Stowed on deck.
     Shipped on deck at shipper's/cargo owner's risk and responsibility.
     Carriage on deck without liability for loss or damage howsoever caused."

                                       1
<PAGE>
All cargo to be loaded, stowed, trimmed, secured and discharged at Charterers'
time, risk and expense.

28. Present War Risk Insurance to be for Charterers' account. Any increase in
War Risk Insurance and Crew War Bonus, if any, to be for Charterers' account.
Order of Charterers' War Risk Underwriters within the scope of the insurance
contract always to be followed.

29. Any stevedore damage to the vessel sustained during the term of this Charter
Party to be for Charterers' account. Master to notify Charterers or their agents
of any stevedore damage within twenty-four (24) hours after detection of damage.
Unseaworthiness damage caused by stevedores, cargo or other cause for which
Charterers are responsible to be repaired by Charterers on the spot before
vessel's departure.

30. Charterers may load and/or discharge cargo from vessel's holds with magnets.
No magnets may be used on the vessel's gear.

31. If the vessel is sold or chartered to the U.S. government by order or
request of the U.S. Government or any qualified department or agency, Charterers
are to receive any and all proceeds from any such sale or charter.

32. Vessel to work night and day if required by Charterers and all vessel's
loading and discharging equipment to be at Charterers' disposal during loading
and discharging. Owners agree that Charterers may request the crew to open and
close hatches and if crew is willing to do such work for Charterers, it shall be
for Charterers' account, at such cost to Charterers as the Master and Charterers
may agree. Shore winchmen to be paid by Charterers.

33. Vessel to be always left in seaworthy trim to the Master's satisfaction
during her sailing and/or shifting between all berths and ports.

34. Charterers to reimburse Master for all expenses incurred by Master in
providing gratuities to government officials, port officials and servants of
Charterers during the term of the Charter Party.

35. Charterers shall bear the risk of damage to cargo during loading, stowing,
and discharging operations caused by negligence of stevedores.

36. The Master to be under the orders of the Charterers as regards employment,
agency or other arrangements. Charterers are 

                                       2
<PAGE>
to load, stow, trim, and discharge cargo at their risk and expense under the
Master's supervision.

37. The Bills of Lading quantity to be decided by Shipper's tally and
measurement. Owners not to be responsible for number of pieces and quantity and
tally to be arranged and paid for by Charterers at both loading and discharging
ports.

38. Financial Responsibility in Respect of Pollution

          (1) Owners warrant that throughout the currency of this Charter they
will provide the vessel with the following certificates:

     (a) Certificates issued pursuant to the Civil Liability Convention 1969
     ("C.L.C.").

     (b) Certificates issued pursuant to Section 311(p) of the U.S. Federal
     Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (Title 33 U.S. Code, Section
     1321(p)).

     (c) Any and all other Certificates of Financial Responsibility required by
     U.S. or other laws.

          (2) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

     (a) Save as required for compliance with paragraph 1 hereof, Owners shall
     not be required to establish or maintain financial security or
     responsibility in respect of oil or other pollution damage to enable the
     vessel lawfully to enter, remain in or leave any port, place, territorial
     or contiguous waters of any country, state or territory in performance of
     this Charter Party.

     (b) Charterers shall indemnify Owners and hold them harmless in respect of
     any loss, damage, liability or expense (including but not limited to the
     cost of any delay incurred by the vessel as a result of any failure by
     Charterers promptly to give alternative voyage orders) whatsoever and
     howsoever arising which Owners may sustain by reason of the vessel's
     inability to perform as aforesaid.

     (c) Owners shall not be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense
     whatsoever and howsoever arising which Charterers and/or the holders of any
     Bill of Lading issued pursuant to this Charter may sustain by reason of the
     vessel's inability to perform as aforesaid.

          (3) Charterers warrant that the terms of this Clause will be
incorporated effectively into any Bill of Lading issued pursuant to this Charter
Party.

                                       3
<PAGE>
39. Charterers have the right to load cargo on deck according to international
regulations and always within the limit of the vessel's seaworthiness, at their
risk and expense, crew giving all possible assistance.

40. Vessel to have a valid cargo gear certificate issued by the American Bureau
of Shipping (or other recognized Classification Society) for annual and
quadrennial surveys. If there are special cargo gear requirements or regulations
imposed by any of the countries to which the vessel will be deployed,
Charterers' shall be responsible for complying with such requirements or
regulations, and any expenses resulting thereby shall be for Charterers'
account.

41. Owners shall not be responsible, and the vessel shall not be placed off
hire, if the vessel is boycotted by shore labor for any reason or arising from
the vessel's flag (or because of the terms and conditions under which the
members of the crew were employed).

42. It is understood that the vessel will always possess a valid Safety
Equipment Certificate issued by the American Bureau of Shipping (or other
recognized Classification Society authorized to issue same by the government
under whose laws the vessel is documented) on behalf of the government where the
vessel is documented, which at the inception of this Charter Party shall be the
Republic of Liberia. There is no other obligation of the vessel to comply with
safety regulations and/or requirements in effect at ports of loading and/or
discharging, and if the vessel does not meet such safety rules and regulations,
this shall not be Owners' responsibility, but is Charterers' responsibility, and
the vessel shall remain on hire even though these regulations or requirements
are not complied with and any additional expenses resulting thereby shall be for
Charterers' account.

43. Deck stanchions and deck lashing materials, if required, to be supplied by
Charterers at their expense. Any deck stanchions and deck lashing materials
presently on board to be at Charterers' disposal. Charterers to pay for the cost
of lashing and unlashing the deck cargo.

44. It shall be at the Master's absolute discretion whether to allow fresh or
saltwater in any double bottom fuel oil tank at any time.

45. Vessel to carry a deckload of lumber or logs at a height in every case
always determined by the decision and absolute discretion of the Master. If the
Master decides he has to carry 

                                       4
<PAGE>
less than the height suggested by the Shipyard, there shall be no penalty to
Owners.

46. Vessel is suitable for carrying full cargoes of heavy grain and/or grain
products in bulk in all holds without requiring any shifting boards if the
grain/grain products is loaded in accordance with the vessel's approved grain
loading manual.

47. Master is to forward promptly to Charterers completed log abstracts and port
logs on the Charterers' forms for both deck and engine for each passage.

48. Any intermediate hold cleaning to be carried out at Charterers' time, risk
and expense. The crew is to be considered servants of Charterers whenever
performing any intermediate hold cleaning. Freshwater used for any intermediate
hold cleaning is to be arranged and paid for by Charterers.

49. Watchmen for vessel, cargo and/or as required by port authorities to be for
Charterers' account.

50. Charterers are to have the privilege of flying their house flag.

51. It is mutually agreed that claims for loss or damage to cargo due to bad
stowage or handling including slackage/ullage to be 100 percent Charterer's
account, and claims for loss or damage to cargo to be 100 percent Owners'
account if caused by want of due diligence on the part of the Owners or their
manager in making the vessel seaworthy and fitted for the voyage or any other
personal act or omission or default of the Owners or their manager.

52. Any delay, expense, and/or fine incurred on account of smuggling to be for
Charterers' account if caused by Charterers' supercargo and/or their staff or
agents, or to be for Owners' account if caused by officers and/or crew.

53. Vessel to be in possession of the necessary certificate to comply with
safety and health regulations and all current requirements at all ports of call
in U.S., British Columbia, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, during the
currency of this Charter.

54. Owners will request Master to undertake best efforts to cooperate with
Charterers for best stowage of cargo.

55. Charterers warrant that they will undertake to obtain the original endorsed
Bill of Lading for each lot of cargo from each 

                                       5
<PAGE>
receiver claiming delivery of goods discharged from the vessel. In the event the
original endorsed Bill of Lading is not obtained by Charterers, Charterers agree
to obtain a properly executed letter of guarantee signed by the receiver(s) and
endorsed by the Charterers by issuing a single letter of guarantee for all
cargoes in lieu of the original endorsed Bill(s) of Lading. Charterers hereby
agree to indemnify and hold Owners harmless from any and all claims, cost,
expense and liability resulting from Charterers' failure to obtain the original
Bill(s) of Lading or properly executed letters of guarantee.

56. Charterers may trade the vessel world wide between safeports, always safely
afloat, always within IWL of vessel's underwriters, excluding war and warlike
zones and excluding Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Finland,
Sweden, the republics of the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Israel, Syria, Lebanon,
Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Oman, Arabian Gulf
and adjacent waters (including the Gulf of Oman north of 24 N Lat), Zaire,
Namibia, Liberia, Senegal to Nigeria (but Ivory Coast is permitted), Angola
(including Cabinda), Mozambique, Far Eastern ports of C.I.S., North Korea, Viet
Nam, Kampuchea, Australia and New Zealand. If the governments of USA, South
Korea, Liberia and/or Myanmar prohibit trade to any country or area not excluded
above, vessel/Owners not obligated to trade to such prohibited countries or
areas. Orders of vessel's underwriters always to be followed.

                                     6

                       VESSEL PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

     THIS VESSEL PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into
as of June 22, 1998 by and between Trans-Pacific Shipping Co. ("SELLER") and
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., ("BUYER").

                                    RECITALS

     A. SELLER is the owner of the vessel called M/V PACDUKE, O.N. 5242, and all
tackle, equipment and machinery appertaining thereto (the "Vessel").

     B. SELLER and BUYER were parties to a Charter Party dated May 27, 1993, and
certain addenda thereto, relating to the Vessel (collectively, the "1993
Agreement").

     C. SELLER and BUYER desire to restate their mutual obligations regarding
the Vessel and to supplant the terms of the 1993 Agreement. In furtherance
thereof, on this same date, SELLER and BUYER have entered into a Charter Party
whereby BUYER has hired the Vessel for a period of five (5) years.

     D. SELLER desires to sell and BUYER desires to purchase the Vessel upon the
expiry of the Charter Party subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.


<PAGE>
     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and subject to the
conditions set forth below, the parties agree as follows:

     1. Purchase of Vessel. Upon the expiry of the Charter Party, or on any date
prior thereto agreed to by the parties, SELLER will sell and BUYER will buy the
Vessel "as is, where is" at the Closing (as that term is defined below).

     2. Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Vessel is Two Million Five
Hundred Thousand One Hundred dollars ($2,500,100), exclusive of all sales and
use taxes and fees associated with the transfer of ownership of the Vessel to
BUYER, which such taxes and fees shall be the responsibility of BUYER at the
Closing (the "Purchase Price"). The Charter Party requires BUYER to pay SELLER
$2,500,000 in prepaid hire. The parties agree that this amount shall be credited
against the Purchase Price at the Closing. BUYER shall pay the remainder of the
Purchase Price to SELLER at the Closing.

     3. Other Expenses.

          a. BUYER shall be responsible for paying all expenses incurred in
obtaining any government, class or other approval of the sale of the Vessel.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
          b. At the Closing, BUYER shall pay to SELLER an amount sufficient to
cover SELLER's liability for taxes and fees, if any, as set forth in Paragraph 2
above.

          c. BUYER shall be responsible for all port charges, including, but not
limited to, wharfage, dockage and harbor entrance fees, incurred or assessed by
any port authority in connection with the delivery of the Vessel to BUYER.

          d. BUYER shall be responsible for all transportation charges,
including crew wages and bunkers, associated with the delivery of the Vessel to
the location of the Closing.

     4. Closing. The term "Closing" as used in this Agreement shall mean the
delivery of the Vessel by SELLER to BUYER upon satisfaction of BUYER's
obligations under this Agreement. The Closing shall occur on a date and at a
location as the parties shall mutually agree prior to the expiry of the Charter
Party.

     5. Delivery; Transfer of Title. Subject to BUYER's performance of the
obligations required by this Agreement, at the Closing, SELLER shall deliver to
BUYER, and BUYER shall take possession of, the Vessel with everything belonging
to her on board at a berth or place agreed to by the parties pursuant to
Paragraph 4 above. Simultaneously, SELLER shall deliver to BUYER an executed
Bill of Sale in the form attached to this Agreement as "Exhibit A", whereupon
title to the Vessel shall pass to 

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
BUYER, and all documents in SELLER's possession or control, including but not
limited to, certificates of inspection, classification, load line and
maintenance records.

     6. Liability and Indemnity. After the Closing, BUYER shall assume all risk
of loss of the Vessel and shall, except with respect to the warranty of title
set forth in Paragraph 7 below, be barred from instituting any claim, action,
suit or proceeding against SELLER, its parent corporation and their officers,
directors, employees, representatives, successors and assigns, arising out of or
in connection with the Vessel, or the use or condition thereof. Additionally,
after the Closing, BUYER shall defend and indemnify SELLER and its parent
corporation and their officers, directors, employees, representatives,
successors and assigns, from any claims, actions and liabilities arising out of
or in connection with BUYER's ownership of the Vessel.

     7. Warranty of Title. At the Closing, SELLER will warrant that it has title
to the Vessel, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, and will indemnify,
defend and hold harmless BUYER from and against any liability, cost or expense
arising out of or in connection with any breach in this warranty of title.

     8. Warranty and Consequential Damage Disclaimer. At the Closing, BUYER
shall purchase the Vessel on an "as is, where is" basis, and, except for the
warranty of title set forth in 

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
Paragraph 7 above, with no warranties, either express or implied, given by
SELLER.

     9. Insurance. During the term of the Charter Party and until BUYER takes
title to the Vessel, SELLER shall maintain in full force and effect the marine
hull and machinery insurance and marine protection and indemnity insurance that
it presently has in place on the Vessel, or shall obtain insurance comparable
thereto. Such insurance shall contain appropriate endorsements naming BUYER as
an additional insured. SELLER shall furnish BUYER evidence satisfactory to BUYER
of the insurance required by this Paragraph 9. BUYER shall reimburse SELLER for
the cost of the insurance premiums. If SELLER fails to keep in full force or
effect or to provide any or all insurance required by this Paragraph 9, BUYER
shall have the right to obtain that insurance and pay the premiums for it.

     10. Costs and Expenses. During the term of the Charter Party, BUYER shall
bear all costs and capital expenses relating to the operation and maintenance of
the Vessel, including, but not limited to, wages, maintenance, supplies and
equipment costs, and fuel and lubricant expenses, as if it were the owner of the
Vessel. BUYER shall promptly reimburse SELLER for any such costs and expenses
paid by SELLER.

     11. Total or Partial Loss. In the event the Vessel becomes an actual or
constructive total loss during the term of 

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
the Charter Party, BUYER shall be entitled to recover all of the insurance
proceeds received by SELLER on account of the loss.

     12. General Provisions.

          a. The terms of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties, their directors, officers, assigns, agents, employees,
legal representatives and successors-in-interest.

          b. Captions used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference
only and shall have no legal effect or meaning in the construction or
enforcement of this Agreement.

          c. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
and supersedes and cancels all prior agreements and communications, whether
written or oral, on the subject matter of this Agreement. The terms of Paragraph
6, Liability and Indemnity; Paragraph 7, Warranty of Title; and Paragraph 8,
Warranty and Consequential Damage Disclaimer, shall survive transfer of title of
the Vessel from SELLER to BUYER.

          d. The terms of this Agreement shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon. The parties agree that in the
event of any dispute concerning their respective rights and obligations under
this Agreement, the dispute will be resolved by arbitration in Multnomah County,

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
Oregon before a panel of three (3) arbitrators who are licensed to practice law
in the State of Oregon. SELLER shall select one (1) arbitrator; BUYER shall
select one (1) arbitrator; and the two (2) arbitrators chosen by the parties
shall select the third arbitrator. The arbitrators shall follow the American
Arbitrations Association ("AAA") Commercial Arbitration rules with Expedited
Procedures in effect on the date hereof, as modified by this Agreement. There
shall be no substantive motions or discovery. The hearing shall take place
ninety (90) days from a party's arbitration demand and shall be concluded within
three (3) days. The decision of the arbitrators will be final and binding on the
parties. The prevailing party in any arbitration will be entitled to an award of
its reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and expenses incurred in preparation for
and through the arbitration and on any appeal therefrom and enforcing this
arbitration provision or the arbitrators' determination.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first appearing above.

                                       TRANS-PACIFIC SHIPPING CO.



                                       By: /s/ KENNETH NOVACK
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Its: President
                                                --------------------------------


                                       SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.



                                       By: /s/ ROBERT W. PHILIP
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Its: President
                                                --------------------------------

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT A


                                  BILL OF SALE


          Reference is made to the Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated
as of June 22, 1998, by and between Trans-Pacific Shipping Co., a Liberian
corporation ("Seller"), and Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., an Oregon
corporation ("Buyer").

          Seller, for good and valuable consideration paid to it by Buyer, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, does hereby grant, bargain, sell,
transfer, assign and convey to Buyer, its successors and assigns, all of
Seller's right, title and interest in and to the Liberian flag vessel M.V.
PACDUKE (the "Vessel"), subject to the terms of the Agreement.

          TO HAVE AND TO HOLD said Vessel forever, together with all of Seller's
right, title and interest in such Vessel.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Bill of
Sale on behalf of Seller as of the ____ day of ___________, 2003.

                                       TRANS-PACIFIC SHIPPING CO.



                                       By: 
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Kenneth M. Novack
                                           President


                                  EXHIBIT 21.1


                        SCHNITZER STEEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
                              List of Subsidiaries

       Subsidiary                                         State of Incorporation
       ----------                                         ----------------------

       Alaska Steel Co.                                           Oregon
       Arion Shipping Co.                                         Delaware
       Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, Inc.                          Oregon
       Columbia Forge and Machine Works, Inc.                     Oregon
       Crawford Street Corporation                                Oregon
       Edman Corp.                                                Oregon
       General Metals of Alaska                                   Oregon
       General Metals of Tacoma, Inc.                             Washington
       Joint Venture Operations, Inc.                             Delaware
       Levi's Iron and Metal, Inc.                                Oregon
       Manufacturing Management, Inc.                             Oregon
       SSI International (Oregon), Inc.                           Oregon
       SSI International, Inc.                                    Guam
       SSI International Far East Ltd.                            Korea
       Mormil Corp.                                               Oregon
       MRI Corporation                                            Delaware
       Norprop, Inc.                                              Oregon
       Oregon Rail Marketing Co.                                  Oregon
       Proler Environmental Services, Inc.                        Delaware
       Proler Industries, Inc.                                    Delaware
       Proler International Corp                                  Delaware
       Proler Properties, Inc.                                    Texas
       Proler Recycling, Inc.                                     Delaware
       Proler Steel, Inc.                                         Delaware
       Proleride Transport Systems, Inc.                          Delaware
       Prolerized Steel Corporation                               Delaware
       Schnitzer Leasing, Inc.                                    Oregon
       SSP Arion Corp.                                            Oregon
       SSP Reclamation Company                                    Oregon

                                  Exhibit 23.1


                       Consent of Independent Accountants


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-87008 and 333-21895) of Schnitzer Steel
Industries, Inc. of our report dated October 6, 1998 appearing on page 29 of
this Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Portland, Oregon
November 24, 1998

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 26, 1998.


                                       LEONARD SCHNITZER
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       LEONARD SCHNITZER

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 27, 1998.



                                       KENNETH M. NOVACK
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       KENNETH M. NOVACK

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 26, 1998.



                                       ROBERT W. PHILIP
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       ROBERT W. PHILIP

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 26, 1998.



                                       DORI SCHNITZER
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       DORI SCHNITZER

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 30, 1998.



                                       CAROL S. LEWIS
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       CAROL S. LEWIS

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 29, 1998.



                                       GARY SCHNITZER
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       GARY SCHNITZER

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 31, 1998.



                                       SCOTT LEWIS
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       SCOTT LEWIS

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 29, 1998.



                                       JEAN S. REYNOLDS
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       JEAN S. REYNOLDS

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 27, 1998.



                                       ROBERT S. BALL
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       ROBERT S. BALL

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 27, 1998.



                                       WILLIAM A. FURMAN
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       WILLIAM A. FURMAN

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 27, 1998.



                                       RALPH R. SHAW
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       RALPH R. SHAW

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 27, 1998.



                                       BARRY A. ROSEN
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       BARRY A. ROSEN

<PAGE>
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY
                                   (Form 10-K)

          The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints each of Robert W.
Philip, Kenneth M. Novack, Barry A. Rosen and James W. Cruckshank his true and
lawful attorney and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. for the year
ended August 31, 1998 and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each attorney and agent full
power and authority to do any and all acts and things necessary or advisable to
be done, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the attorney and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

          Dated: October 26, 1998.



                                       JAMES W. CRUCKSHANK
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       JAMES W. CRUCKSHANK

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FILED AS PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER>                  1,000
       
<S>                           <C>                     <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                 12-MOS                  12-MOS                  12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>             AUG-31-1996             AUG-31-1997             AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                SEP-01-1995             SEP-01-1996             SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                  AUG-31-1996             AUG-31-1997             AUG-31-1998
<CASH>                                  0<F1>               3,106                   3,800
<SECURITIES>                            0<F1>                   0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                           0<F1>              31,010                  26,161
<ALLOWANCES>                            0<F1>                 524                     645
<INVENTORY>                             0<F1>              95,154                 103,136
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                        0<F1>             144,390                 150,268
<PP&E>                                  0<F1>             151,136                 142,582
<DEPRECIATION>                          0<F1>             114,427                 126,854
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                          0<F1>             427,986                 471,340
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                   0<F1>              39,492                  39,160
<BONDS>                                 0<F1>              92,881                 140,236
                   0<F1>                   0                       0
                             0<F1>                   0                       0
<COMMON>                                0<F1>              10,182                   9,986
<OTHER-SE>                              0<F1>             228,879                 231,450
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>            0<F1>             427,986                 471,340
<SALES>                           339,352                 361,753                 353,093
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                  339,352                 361,753                 353,093
<CGS>                             290,841                 314,785                 311,185
<TOTAL-COSTS>                     309,701                 336,023                 333,723
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                        0                       0                       0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                        0                       0                       0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                  3,814                   5,026                   6,813
<INCOME-PRETAX>                    30,789                  32,171                  15,239
<INCOME-TAX>                       10,006                  10,946                   5,791
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                20,783                  21,225                   9,448
<DISCONTINUED>                          0                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                         0                       0                       0
<CHANGES>                               0                       0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                       20,783                  21,225                   9,448
<EPS-PRIMARY>                        2.25                    2.06                    0.94
<EPS-DILUTED>                        2.24                    2.05                    0.93
<FN>
<F1>The balance sheet as of August 31, 1996 is not included in this report.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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