Steel Products Prices North America

Raw Steel Production Ahead of Last Year
Written by Tim Triplett
August 1, 2017
Domestic raw steel production totaled 1,769,000 net tons in the week ending July 29, down 0.2 percent from the previous week, but up 6.1 percent from the same period last year, reports the American Iron and Steel Institute in Washington.
The mill capability utilization rate for the July 29 week was 75.9 percent, down from 76.1 percent the prior week, but up from 71.3 percent the prior year.
Adjusted year-to-date production through July 29 was 52,108,000 net tons, at a capability utilization rate of 74.5 percent, a 2.6 percent increase from the same period last year when the capability rate was 72.4 percent.
Following is production for the week by district: Northeast, 213,000 net tons; Great Lakes, 672,000 net tons; Midwest, 168,000 net tons; South, 640,000 net tons; and West, 76,000 net tons, for a total of 1,769,000.
The raw steel production tonnage in this report is estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage provided from 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 AISI monthly production report provides a more detailed summary of steel production based on data supplied by companies representing 75 percent of U.S. production capacity.
Mill capability for the third quarter is approximately 30.6 million tons, compared to 30.7 million tons for the same period last year and 30.3 million tons for the second quarter.
Below is a graph showing the history of weekly raw steel production. You will need to view the graph on our website to use its interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.

Tim Triplett
Read more from Tim TriplettLatest in Steel Products Prices North America

SMU price ranges: Flat-rolled balloon continues to leak
Sheet and plate prices were flat or lower again this week on continued concerns about demand and higher production rates among US mills.

HRC vs. busheling spread narrows in August
The price spread between prime scrap and hot-rolled coil (HRC) narrowed in August, according to SMU’s most recent pricing data.

SMU Price Ranges: Market drifts lower still
All five of SMU's steel sheet and plate price indices declined this week, falling to lows last seen in February.

Discontentment brews in plate market with flat, status-quo pricing
Sources in the carbon and alloy steel plate market said they are less discouraged by market uncertainty resulting from tariffs or foreign relations, but are instead, eager to see disruption to the flat pricing environment.

Nucor lowers HR coil spot price by $15/ton
Nucor has implemented a double-digit price decrease on spot hot-rolled (HR) coil for the second consecutive week.