Features

AISI: Raw steel production slips for second week

August 5, 2024

Domestic steel mill output eased last week for the second consecutive week, according to the latest release by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Although production has declined, it remains relatively on the high side compared to rates seen across this year.

Total raw steel mill output was estimated at 1,722,000 short tons (st) in the week ending Aug. 3. This is down 7,000 st or 0.4% from the week prior. Raw production last week was 0.3% higher than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,716,000 st. Production is up 0.6% from the same week one year ago when output totaled 1,712,000 st.

The mill capability utilization rate for last week was 77.5%. This is lower than the week prior (77.9%) but higher than this time last year (75.3%).

Year-to-date production stands at 52,421,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.5%. This is down 2.2% vs. the same time frame last year, when 53,592,000 st were produced at a capability utilization rate of 77.3%.

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

Northeast – 130,000 st (down 1,000 st)
Great Lakes – 582,000 st (up 11,000 st)
Midwest – 211,000 st (down 6,000 st)
South – 733,000 st (down 8,000 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. The monthly AISI “AIS 7” report is available by subscription and provides 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.