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    October 23, 2018

    Raw Steel Production Stays at 80 Percent

    Written by Brett Linton

    U.S. mills have operated at 80 percent of capacity or better for two weeks in a row. U.S. raw steel production for the week ending Oct. 20 totaled 1,875,000 net tons with the mills averaging 80.0 percent of their capability, down slightly from 80.2 percent reported the prior week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. The current week’s production represents a 10.0 percent jump from the same period last year when mill utilization was at 73.2 percent. Mills are currently operating near a four-year high.

    Adjusted year-to-date producton through Oct. 20 totaled 76,076,000 net tons at a capability utilization rate of 77.7 percent, up 4.9 percent from the same period last year when the capability utilization was 74.3 percent.

    Brett Linton

    Brett Linton is a digital operations 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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