Steel Products Prices North America

Raw Steel Production Rises After Falling for 10 Consecutive Weeks

Written by Brett Linton

December 8, 2015

For the week ending December 5, 2015, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,553,000 net tons of raw steel, a 4.4 percent increase over the previous week but a 14.3 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 65.0 percent, up from 62.2 percent last week but down from 75.3 percent this time last year.

This is the first week the weekly raw steel estimated has increased over the previous week since the week ending September 26, 2015 when 1,735,000 tons were produced at a capacity utilization rate of 72.6 percent.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2015 YTD is reported to be 82,328,000 tons, down 8.9 percent from the 90,322,000 tons produced during the same period in 2014. The average capacity utilization rate for 2015 YTD is estimated to be 71.5 percent, down from 77.7 percent for 2014 YTD.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 193,000 tons, down 3,000 tons. Great Lakes at 575,000 tons, down 1,000 tons. Midwest at 196,000 tons, up 5,000 tons. South at 513,000 tons, up 63,000 tons. West at 76,000 tons, up 2,000 tons. Total production was 1,553,000 tons, up 66,000 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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