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    December 4, 2018

    U.S. Raw Steel Production Sees Slight Dip

    Written by Brett Linton

    Raw steel production by U.S. steelmakers in the week ending Dec. 1 backslid a bit, but stayed above the 80 percent level that the mills hope to maintain. Steel production totaled 1,892,000 net tons for the week, down a slight 0.7 percent from the prior week, but up 11.1 percent from the prior year. The mill capability utilization rate averaged 80.7 percent, reports the American Iron and Steel Institute.

    U.S. steelmakers have produced 5.7 percent more raw steel so far this year. Adjusted year-to-date production through Dec. 1 totaled 87,528,000 net tons. The average capacity utilization rate for the year has increased by nearly 4 percent, to 78.1 percent from 74.2 percent in 2017.

    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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