Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production Starts 2016 with 5+ Year Low

Written by Brett Linton

January 5, 2016

For the week ending January 2, 2016, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,440,000 net tons of raw steel, a 1.1 percent decrease over the previous week and a 19.9 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 60.2 percent, down from 60.9 percent last week and down from 75.1 percent this time last year.

The last time raw steel production was this low was the week ending October 3, 2009 when 1,416,000 tons were produced at a capacity utilization rate of 59.3 percent.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 204,000 tons, up 5,000 tons. Great Lakes at 582,000 tons, up 14,000 tons. Midwest at 176,000 tons, down 7,000 tons. South at 417,000 tons, down 31,000 tons. West at 61,000 tons, up 3,000 tons. Total production was 1,440,000 tons, down 16,000 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.

Read more from Brett Linton

Latest in Steel Products Prices North America