AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
SELLS ONE OF ITS WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARIES


Kemah, Texas - April 9, 2001 American International Industries, Inc. (OTCBB: EDII) today announced the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary Har-Whit/Pitt's & Spitt's, Inc. (HW/P&S) to Oxford Knight International, Inc. HW/P&S is the manufacturer and distributor of high quality barbecue pits and a sheet metal fabricator of parts specially manufactured for the energy industry. John W. Stump III, Chief Financial Officer of American International Industries, Inc. stated that "The Company intends to file a Form 8-K report related to this transaction."

American International Industries, Inc. is a rapidly 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. EDII is continuing to work with management of the subsidiary companies to improve revenues, operations and profitability.


Contact:

     American International Industries Inc., Kemah
     Investor Relations: Rebekah Ruthstrom Tel: 281-334-9479 email: aiii@wt.net

     email: aiii@wt.net