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
Global steel production falls to near two-year low in September
World crude steel output declined for the fourth-consecutive month in September, slipping 3% from August to an estimated 141.8 million metric tons (mt), according to the latest figures from the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Market sources say regional activity is dictating plate demand
Demand for plate on the spot market remains soft by comparison to years past. However, this week regional demand variations grew more pronounced.
Battery #14 at USS Clairton to restart on Oct. 23
U.S. Steel plans to restart battery #14 at the Clairton Coke Works plant on Thursday, ending its idling period. Battery #14 was hot idled following the explosion at coke oven batteries 13 and 14 on Aug. 11. The Mon Valley Works Clairton plant has completed the necessary repairs. It expects the battery to restart during […]
Findings from Clairton investigations prompt USS to revise safety protocols
U.S. Steel (USS) said it’s been strengthening its safety protocols as findings from investigations into the causes of a deadly explosion at USS Clairton Coke Works on Aug. 11 materialize. The Pittsburgh, Pa.-headquartered steel producer stated that an independent investigation conducted by the Environmental Design & Testing Corp (EDT) produced findings aligned with the company’s […]
FabArc Steel Supply completes projects in Mississippi, Georgia
FabArc Steel Supply announced this week the completion of two large-scale projects in Georgia and Mississippi.
