Steel Mills

AISI: Raw steel production slips to four-week low

Written by Brett Linton

June 10, 2024

Domestic raw steel production eased last week, falling from an eight-week high down to a four-week low, according to the latest data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

AISI estimated total US steel mill output to have been 1,716,000 short tons (st) in the week ending June 8, down 27,000 st or 1.5% from the week prior. Production was just a tick higher than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,715,000 st. Last week’s total was down 1.3% compared to the same week one year ago when production totaled 1,738,000 st.  

The mill capability utilization rate was 77.3% last week. This rate was lower than the prior week (78.5%) but in line with levels seen at this time last year.

Year-to-date production is now up to 38,790,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.4%. Annual production is down 2.8% from last year when output was 39,903,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 77.8%.

Weekly production by region is shown below, with the weekly changes noted in parentheses:

  • Northeast – 129,000 st (down 7,000 st)
  • Great Lakes – 542,000 st (down 9,000 st)
  • Midwest – 209,000 st (up 1,000 st)
  • South – 770,000 st (down 9,000 st)
  • West – 66,000 st (down 3,000 st)

Editor’s note: The raw steel production tonnage provided in this report is estimated and should be used primarily to assess production trends. AISI’s monthly “AIS 7” report is available by subscription and can provide a more detailed summary of domestic steel production.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

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