Steel Mills

AISI: Raw steel production inches higher
Written by Ethan Bernard
May 6, 2024
Raw steel output in the US ticked up last week, according to the latest American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) data.
AISI estimated total domestic steel output to have been 1,709,000 short tons (st) in the week ending May 4, up 0.5% from the prior week. However, this was down 2.9% from 1,760,000 st in the same week a year earlier.
The mill capability utilization rate was 77.0% last week, up from 76.6% a week ago but down from 78.2% at this time last year.
As of May 4, year-to-date production stood at 30,259,000 st with a YTD mill capability utilization rate of 76.3%. This is down 2.9% from the same time last year when production was 31,151,000 st and mills were operating at 77.9%.
Production by region
Weekly production by region is shown below, with the weekly changes noted in parentheses:
- Northeast – 133,000 st (down 7,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 566,000 st (down 6,000 st)
- Midwest – 197,000 st (down 10,000 st)
- South – 740,000 st (up 19,000 st)
- West – 73,000 st (up 12,000 st)
Editor’s note: The raw steel production tonnage provided in this report is estimated. 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.

Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Steel Mills

Op-Ed: Ternium CEO Máximo Vedoya wants a fair future forged in steel
After recently receiving an industry honor on behalf of Ternium, I had the opportunity to reflect and share my vision on the state and future of our industry.

Nippon eyeing new $4B U.S. Steel mill to sweeten deal: Report
Nippon Steel could build a new domestic U.S. Steel mill with a total investment of $4 billion.

Nucor cuts CSP by $20/ton, third straight drop
Nucor has lowered its consumer spot price by $20 per short ton, marking the third consecutive weekly decrease.

Nucor reports IT systems breach
Nucor said it temporarily and proactively halted some production operations at various locations.

Cliffs talks DOE funding, blast furnace relining schedule
The future of two projects supported in part by funding through the Department of Energy remains uncertain.