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    June 15, 2021

    AISI: Steel Mill Utilization at 82.6%

    Written by David Schollaert

    Raw steel production by U.S. mills totaled 1,834,000 net tons in the week ended June 12, down a slight 0.3% compared to the week prior, but still at a healthy mill utilization rate of 82.6%. That compares to production of 1,272,000 net tons and mill utilization of just 56.8% in the same period last year when the market was disrupted by COVID-19, reported the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

    The latest data from AISI points to a decreased annual production capacity in domestic steelmaking. The estimated annual capacity has decreased by 2.3% over the past four weeks, from 118.0 million tons to 115.5 million tons. Based on AISI’s ongoing review of its statistical process to “accurately reflect market conditions” (see footnote below), additional changes could be in store as the association accounts for newly added or permanently idled capacity.

    David Schollaert

    David Schollaert is deputy editor-in-chief for Steel Market Update. David joined SMU after more than a decade in the metals and mining industry in a myriad of different roles. Much of his early experience and expertise were within the coverage and analysis of steel-making raw materials and served previously as senior editor of the CRU Prices Service. Most recently, however, before his return to market analysis, David held roles as a metals buyer and an operations manager for raw material suppliers. He can be contacted at david@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1008.

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