Weekly Raw Steel Production Edged Up Again

Raw steel production by US mills was up slightly last week, expanding for the second straight week. Domestic output was 1,756,000 net tons in the week ending Aug. 20, while capacity utilization was 79.7%. Though up, the result marks the sixth consecutive week below 80%, according to the latest data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

US output was up 0.8% versus the week prior but still down 6.2% versus the same period last year when production was 1,872,000 net tons. Mill capacity utilization last week was 0.7 percentage points above the prior week yet 5.1 percentage points below the same period one year ago when utilization was 84.8%.

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.

David Schollaert

Latest in Prices

Nucor aims for a $60/ton bump on plate prices, opens November orderbook

SMU Price Ranges: Sheet, plate tick higher as supply squeeze poised to drag into Q4

Nucor increases spot HR to $1,220/ton

US sheet buyers grapple with mill delays as supply pressure spreads

AMU Survey: Aluminum scrap outlook turns toward oversupply