FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND

APPROVES AMEX LISTING APPLICATION

Kemah, Texas – March_12, 2004 American International Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: AMIN) today announced that the Company’s board of directors has authorized proceeding with the Company’s application to list its common stock on the American Stock Exchange. The Company at its recent board of directors meeting, appointed M. Truman Arnold, a long-time executive with The Coastal Corporation, a major multinational oil and gas company, with over 40 years experience in the industry, as an Advisory Director. The board also appointed to the Company’s board of directors Robert W. Derrick, Jr., who is president of Delta Seaboard Well Service, Inc., the Company’s majority owned oil and gas service subsidiary.

Daniel Dror, the Company’s CEO, President and Chairman, stated that “the additions of Mr. Arnold and Mr. Derrick to the board of directors will bring to the Company vast experience in oil and gas, a growing segment of our national economy. The Company’s acquisition of Delta shall enable the Company to significantly expand its operations in the oil and gas industry. We believe that the stability of the specialist system at the American Stock Exchange will be in the best interests of our shareholders and that listing on the AMEX is consistent with our long-term view of the Company and its growth”

American International Industries, Inc. is a growing holding company, with interest in Industry, Finance, Real Estate and Oil & Gas. AMIN intends to pursue potential acquisitions using its financial resources and management to grow acquired businesses, improve access to capital and achieve economies of scale, in order 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.

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