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    October 4, 2021

    Steel Mill Utilization Still Hovering Around 85%

    Written by David Schollaert

    Domestic raw steel production slipped in the week ending Oct. 2, remaining just under the pandemic-era high seen the month prior. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), production by U.S. mills was estimated at 1,827,000 net tons while the average mill utilization rate was 84.8%.

    Output edged down slightly by 0.4 of a percentage point compared to the week prior when production was estimated at 1,880,000 net tons and average utilization was 85.2%. Last week’s production total represents a 21.6% increase from year-ago levels, when output was 1,540,000 net tons and utilization was 69.0%, and still impacted by pandemic-related measures.

    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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