Steel Products Prices North America

Another Slight Decrease in Weekly Raw Steel Production

Written by Brett Linton

March 28, 2017

For the week ending March 25, 2017, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,725,000 net tons of raw steel, a 1.3 percent decrease over the previous week but a 2.4 percent increase over the revised rate from the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate for steel production is 72.8 percent, down from 73.7 percent last week but up from 72.1 percent this time last year.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2017 YTD is reported to be 20,859,000 tons, up 4.4 percent from the 19,972,000 tons produced during the same period in 2016. The average capacity utilization rate for 2017 YTD is estimated to be 73.4 percent, up from 71.3 for 2016 YTD.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 204,000 tons, down 12,000 tons. Great Lakes at 666,000 tons, down 9,000 tons. Midwest at 168,000 tons, up 2,000 tons. South at 594,000 tons, down 22,000 tons. West at 93,000 tons, up 19,000 tons. Total production was 1,725,000 tons, down 22,000 tons.

The AISI estimates production capability for Q1 2017 at approximately 31.2 million tons, compared to 30.4 million tons for Q1 2016 and 31.2 million tons for Q4 2016.

About Weekly Raw Steel Production Data

The weekly raw steel production tonnage provided by the AISI is estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage provided by 50 percent of the domestic producers combined with monthly production data for the remainder. Therefore, this report should be used primarily to assess production trends. The monthly AISI production report provides a more detailed summary of steel production based on data supplied by companies representing over 75 percent of U.S. production capacity.

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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