Steel Markets

AISI: Raw steel output jumps, capability surpasses 80%
Written by Brett Linton
August 26, 2024
Domestic steel mill production increased last week to one of the highest rates recorded in over a year, according to the latest data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Having risen for three weeks in a row, weekly production was at its highest since February 2023.
For the week ending Aug. 24, AISI estimated total raw steel mill output to have been 1,782,000 short tons (st). In the the largest weekly gain in the past six weeks, production increased by 28,000 st, or 1.6%, from the week prior.
Raw production last week was 3.6% higher than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,720,000 st, and 2.3% higher than a year ago when mill output totaled 1,742,000 st.
US mills operated at 80.2% of capabilities last week, AISI said. This rate was higher than in the week prior (79.0%) and at this time last year (76.6%).
Year-to-date production is up to 57,692,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 76.7%. This is 1.9% less than the same time frame last year, when mills operated at 77.2% of capabilities, producing 58,818,000 st.
Weekly production by region is shown below, with the weekly changes noted in parentheses:
- Northeast – 128,000 st (up 4,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 596,000 st (up 8,000 st)
- Midwest – 220,000 st (up 2,000 st)
- South – 774,000 st (up 11,000 st)
- West – 64,000 st (up 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
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Steel Markets

SSAB Americas reports higher Q2 production and shipments
Despite improved operating results, SSAB Americas' second-quarter and H1’25 profits fell short of those of last year.

Global steel production slips in June
The total volume of raw steel produced around the globe fell by 5% from May to June, according to recent data published by the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Market sentiment shows improvement: PMA Business Conditions Report
Metalforming manufacturers say they’re more confident that near-term economic conditions are improving

Galvanized steel prices and demand remain stagnant in July: HARDI
Galvanized steel prices ping-ponged in the $50/hundredweight range during the month of July, settling in at roughly the same position as in June.

USW cheers Evraz NA agreement with Atlas Holdings
The United Steelworkers (USW) labor union celebrated recent news of the signed agreement between Atlas Holdings and Evraz NA in which the Connecticut-based private equity company said it plans to acquire North America’s Evraz facilities.