Weekly Raw Steel Production Holds Steady

U.S. raw steel production for the week ending Sept. 29 totaled 1,856,000 net tons, up 8.5 percent from the same period last year but down 0.4 percent from the prior week, reports the American Iron and Steel Institute. The mill capability utilization rate of 79.2 percent, up from 73.4 percent this time last year, remained within sight of the 80 percent level the industry believes is necessary for sustained profitability.

Adjusted year-to-date producton through Sept. 29 totaled 70,469,000 net tons at a capability utilization rate of 77.5 percent, up 4.5 percent from the same period last year when the capability utilization was 74.4 percent.