Steel Products

AISI: Raw steel output moved higher
Written by David Schollaert
February 12, 2024
Domestic production of raw steel increased again last week, according to the most recent data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Output moved higher for the second straight week after declining for more than a month to start the year.
Steel output in the US totaled an estimated 1,710,000 short tons (st) in the week ended Feb. 10. That’s up 0.5% from the previous week but a decrease of 5% from the same week last year when production stood at 1,800,000 st.
The mill capability utilization rate was 77% in the week ended Feb. 10, up from 76.6% a week earlier yet down from 80.5% a year ago.
Year-to-date production through Feb. 10 was 9,936,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.4%. That was off 1.4% from 10,074,000 st in the same period a year earlier when capability utilization was 78.1%.
Production by region is shown below, with the week-over-week changes shown in parentheses:
- Northeast – 133,000 st (down 3,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 560,000 st (down 2,000 st)
- Midwest – 188,000 st (down 2,000 st)
- South – 759,000 st (up 13,000 st)
- West – 70,000 st (up 2,000 st)

Editor’s note: The raw steel production tonnage provided in this report is estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage 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

Plate market sources expect mill price hikes, say business remains a steady trickle
Participants in the US carbon and steel plate market are frustrated by the lack of activity following the Labor Day holiday weekend.

September energy market update
In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stock levels through September. Trends in energy prices and rig counts serve as leading indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe demand.

Market says cutting interest rates will spur stalled domestic plate demand
Market sources say demand for domestic plate refuses to budge despite stagnating prices.

U.S. Steel to halt slab conversion at Granite City Works
U.S. Steel said it plans to reduce slab consumption at its Granite City Works near St. Louis, a company spokesperson said on Monday. The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker will shift the production and processing of steel slabs to its Mon Valley Works near Pittsburgh and its Gary Works near Chicago. Citing a United Steelworkers (USW) union memo, […]

SMU Week in Review: September 1-5
Here are highlights of what’s happened this past week and a few upcoming things to keep an eye on.