FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

APPOINTS TWO NEW DIRECTORS

Kemah, Texas – March 2, 2004 American International Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: AMIN) today announced that the board of directors approved the appointment of Mr. Truman Arnold and Mr. Robert Derrick, Jr. to its board of directors. For many years Mr. Arnold was assistant to Mr. Oscar Wyatt, Jr. at the Coastal State Corporation. Further, Mr. Arnold is presently the president of Alameda Corporation. Mr. Arnold’s vast experience would be of great value in his advisory capacity and as an independent director. Mr. Derrick, Jr. is presently the president of Delta Seaboard Well Service, Inc. (“Delta”), a majority owned subsidiary. Mr. Derrick, Jr’s father founded Delta 35-years ago. Considering the plans of expansion of Delta in the energy drilling field it will enable the board of directors with it’s due diligence decision regarding potential new acquisitions. Delta is presently in negotiations to acquire additional companies in its field.

Mr. Daniel Dror, CEO of AMIN stated, “we are excited at the opportunity to expand the board of directors by the addition of Mr. Arnold and Mr. Derrick, Jr. We feel that the addition and expansion of the board will allow AMIN to have a greater exposure for its future plans.”

Mr. Herbert Shapiro, Jr. was appointed as president of the real estate wholly owned subsidiary of AMIN T.R.E. Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Shapiro, Jr. resigned his position as a board member of AMIN.

American International Industries, Inc. is a growing holding company. The Company has holdings in Industry, Finance, Real Estate and Oil & Gas. The vision of the Company is to develop holdings in various industries through acquisition of existing companies, applying the financial resources and management expertise to foster the growth and profitability of the acquired businesses. The holding company serves as a financial and professional partner to the management of the subsidiaries. The role of the holding company is to improve each subsidiary’s access to capital, achieve economics of scale by consolidating administrative functions, and utilize the financial and management expertise of corporate personnel across all units. The Company is continuing to work with management of the subsidiary companies to improve revenues, operations and profitability. Periodically as opportunities present themselves, we may sell or merge the subsidiaries in order to bring value to the holding company and our shareholders and to enable the Company to acquire larger companies.

Investor Relations: Rebekah Ruthstrom Tel: 281-334-9479 email: aiii@wt.net