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    October 30, 2018

    Steel Producers Operating at 81.0 Percent of Capacity

    Written by Brett Linton

    Domestic steel mills achieved a production rate last week not seen in more than six years. U.S. raw steel production for the week ending Oct. 27 totaled 1,898,000 net tons with the mills averaging 81.0 percent of their capability, up from 80.0 percent reported the prior week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. The current week’s production represents an 11.3 percent jump from the same period last year when mill utilization was at 73.2 percent. The last time the industry hit 81 percent of capacity was in May 2012.

    Adjusted year-to-date producton through Oct. 27 totaled 77,974,000 net tons at a capability utilization rate of 77.7 percent, up 5.0 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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