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    August 9, 2021

    Raw Steel Production Sees Small Declines: AISI

    Written by David Schollaert

    Weekly raw steel production by U.S. mills contracted slightly for the second straight week. The average utilization rate was 84.7%, while production totaled 1,869,000 net tons in the week ending Aug. 14, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

    The dip, though minor, was the second in as many weeks after domestic production pushed utilization up to 85.0% for six straight weeks. Despite the small declines, U.S. mills continue to produce steel near full capacity. Weekly output eased down 0.2% compared to the week prior when production was 1,872,000 net tons and average utilization was 84.8%. Last week’s production total represents a 26.6% increase from year-ago levels, when output was reduced to 1,476,000 net tons and utilization to 65.9% because of the pandemic.

    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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