Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production at Highest Level in 17 Weeks

Written by Brett Linton

June 15, 2015

For the week ending June 13, 2015, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,747,000 net tons of raw steel, a 1.5 percent increase over the previous week but a 7.5 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 73.9 percent, up from 72.8 percent last week but down from 78.5 percent last year. The last time production levels were this high was the week ending February 14, 2015 with 1,760,000 tons produced and a capacity utilization rate of 74.4 percent.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2015 YTD is reported to be 40,111,000 tons, down 7.3 percent from the 43,283,000 tons produced during the same period in 2014. The average capacity utilization rate for 2015 YTD is estimated to be 72.4 percent, down from 77.3 percent for 2014 YTD.

Note that the total production capability figure for Q2 2015 is based on 30,700,000 tons versus 31,300,000 tons for Q2 2014 and 30,400,000 tons for Q1 2015. 

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 228,000 tons, up 2,000 tons. Great Lakes at 621,000 tons, up 28,000 tons. Midwest at 213,000 tons, down 1,000 tons. South at 599,000 tons, down 3,000 tons. West at 86,000 tons, down 1,000 tons. Total production was 1,747,000 tons, up 25,000 tons.

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing the weekly raw steel production history. To use the graphs interactive capabilities, you must view it on our website. You can do this by clicking here. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by calling 800-432-3475.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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