AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

(OTCBB: "AMIN")

601 CIEN STREET, SUITE 235, KEMAH, TX 77565-3077

Tel: (281) 334-9479 Fax: (281) 334-9508

www.americanii.com email: amin@americanii.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

ANNOUNCES 1^ST QUARTER RESULTS

Kemah, Texas – May 16, 2005 American International Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: AMIN) announced the first quarter revenues for 2005 were $4,115,692 an increase of $1,254,608 or more than a 43% increase over last years $2,861,084. Our subsidiaries Northeastern Plastics, Inc. and Delta Seaboard Well Service, Inc. reported revenues of $1,346,249 and $2,768,943 respectfully thereby.

Operating income increased from a last year loss of $192,538 to a net quarterly income of $321,291. The company reported a net loss for the period of $1,760,943. The loss is attributable to our holdings of marketable securities in (SurgiCare, Inc. k/n/a Orion Healthcorp, Inc. symbol "ONH"), which during the first quarter decreased in market value from $3,874,500 to $887,722. The company reported that during the first quarter it sold its marketable securities in Transmeridian Exploration, Inc. (symbol "TMXN") for a gain; however, our marketable securities in Orion Healthcorp, Inc. ("Orion") decreased in market value as of March 31, 2005 and caused the company to state the securities at the reduced market price.

Daniel Dror, Chairman and CEO, stated "the company expects to eventually realize the original amount of $4,500,000 from the sale of Orion shares, which is the original conversion value of the preferred shares (owned by the company) before the preferred shares were converted into 875,000 common shares of Orion." Since March 31, 2005 the market price of the Orion shares increased in value.

For additional information please refer to our Form 10-QSB for the period ended March 31, 2005.

American International Industries, Inc. is a holding company that has holdings in Industry, Oil and Gas, Finance and Real Estate in Houston Texas and surrounding areas. 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 its subsidiaries, to improve each subsidiary’s access to capital, achieve economies 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.

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Safe Harbor Statement:

The matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical information provided herein may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that we may anticipate in each of our segments reflected by our subsidiaries' operations include without limitations, continued acceptance of our products and services, continued growth in the energy sector, increased levels of competition, the dependence upon adequate financing, third party suppliers and the ability to hire and retain qualified management for its operating subsidiaries, and the regulatory environment in the segments in which we operate. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis, judgment, belief or expectation only as of the date hereof.

Investor Relations: Rebekah Ruthstrom Tel: 281-334-9479 email: amin@americanii.com