America produced more steel than it needed for its war effort

Despite producing tens of thousands of ships, tanks, trucks, armored cars, and other steel-dependent products, the United States produced or recycled enough steel to produce surpluses. To free up copper for use in the war effort, steel was traded to allies and utilized to manufacture pennies at home. During the war, American steel mills prospered without being hampered by labor unrest or supply problems.

Beginning in January 1942, the production of steel—both new and recycled—shifted from autos and certain other consumer products to the demands of war. By the end of the war, the sector had reached maximum employment. To support the industries of America's friends, steel was shipped to shipyards, tank factories, truck factories, railroads, and foreign locations. By the end of the war, there was enough steel available to build an LST (Landing Ship/Tanks) in just 30 days. Before the war, it took a ship builder more than a year to complete one.