Steel Products

AISI: Raw steel output recovers slightly
Written by David Schollaert
February 5, 2024
Domestic production of raw steel recovered a bit last week, according to the most recent data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The result was the first increase in roughly a month.
Steel output in the US totaled an estimated 1,702,000 short tons (st) in the week ended Feb. 3. That’s up 1.3% from the previous week but a decrease of 2.2% from the same week last year when production stood at 1,741,000 st.
The mill capability utilization rate was 76.6% in the week ended Feb. 3, up from 75.6% a week earlier yet down from 77.9% a year ago.
Year-to-date production through Feb. 3 was 8,226,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.3%. That was off 0.6% from 8,274,000 st in the same period a year earlier when capability utilization was 76.1%.
Production by region is shown below, with the week-over-week changes shown in parentheses:
- Northeast – 136,000 st (up 7,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 562,000 st (up 3,000 st)
- Midwest – 190,000 st (up 5,000 st)
- South – 746,000 st (up 10,000 st)
- West – 68,000 st (down 3,000 st)

Editor’s note: The raw steel production tonnages provided in this report are estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production data provided by approximately 50% of the domestic production capacity combined with the most recent monthly production data for the remainder. Therefore, this report should be used primarily to assess production trends. The AISI production report “AIS 7”, published monthly and available by subscription, provides a more detailed summary of steel production based on data supplied by companies representing 75% of U.S. production capacity.

David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Steel Products

CRU: EC to toughen steel safeguards
The European Commission proposes cutting its steel import quota by almost half, with volumes exceeding the limit facing 50% duties. The region’s steel industry welcomes the move, while other steel-producing nations fear the consequences. CRU published an insight before this announcement, noting that more restrictive trade policy could significantly raise the cost of marginal supply […]

US and Canadian rig counts stabilize
US counts continue to hover just above historic lows, while Canadian figures remain comparatively healthy.

Plate market sources critique mill hikes amid current market conditions
Following spot market plate price increase notices issued by domestic mills this past week, participants are contemplating the rationale behind the increases and whether they will stick. Some sources anticipate that current market conditions will shift in November and believe the increases may set a new "pricing floor."

Oregon Steel Mills lifts plate prices by $60/ton
Oregon Steel Mills has joined other producers in announcing a price increase of at least $60 per short ton on steel plate.

CRU: Construction of pilot plant for green steel process starts
Voestalpine and partners have begun building an industrial-scale Hy4Smelt demonstration plant in Linz, Austria, which they hope will become key in the decarbonization of steel.