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    Analysis

    AISI: Raw steel output jumps, capability surpasses 80%

    Written by Brett Linton


    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.

    Brett Linton

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    Brazilian pig iron trade with US stuck in doldrums

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    SMU Survey: Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index up, Future Sentiment flat

    SMU’s Current Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Index ticked up this week, while Future Sentiment remained flat again, according to our latest market survey.  Every two weeks, SMU polls thousands of steel-industry executives, asking them to rate their companies’ chances of success today and also three to six months down the road. We use their responses to calculate our proprietary Current and Future Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices, measures tracked since 2008.

    Fed Beige Book finds stronger steel, machinery demand but rising cost pressure

    Manufacturing activity improved in several Federal Reserve districts, but conditions remained mixed nationwide, according to the Fed’s Oct. 14 Beige Book report. Demand was strongest in steel, machinery, defense-related products, and data center infrastructure. Steel producers in the Cleveland District reported firm spot market demand. Data center, power-generation, defense, and aerospace projects supported orders. Long mill lead times kept customer inventories lean and prices high. Producers also reported higher orders from truck-trailer and light-vehicle manufacturers. International demand for hydrogen vehicle parts increased.

    Final Thoughts: Sheet prices and lead times are climbing, so are inventories and imports

    On the face of it, nothing much changed in the US steel market this week. Lead times continue to extend. Inventories remain lean. And mills can pretty much name their price. Sheet lead times, which extend well into December, remain at the highest levels we’ve seen since 2021. Plate lead times, meanwhile, set a new record. At 11 weeks on average, they’re higher than anything we’ve recorded – including during the boom year of ’21.