Features

AISI: Raw steel production holds strong

Written by Brett Linton

September 3, 2024

Domestic raw steel mill production eased last week but remains historically high, according to the latest release from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Recall that the weekly production figure two weeks ago had reached the highest rate seen in over a year and a half.

Total raw steel mill output was estimated to have been 1,760,000 short tons (st) in the week ending Aug. 31. This is down 22,000 st or 1.2% from the week prior.

Raw production last week was 2.3% higher than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,721,000 st. Production is 1.0% greater than the same week one year prior when mill output totaled 1,742,000 st. 

Mill capability utilization rate last week eased to 79.2%, down from 80.2% the week prior but up from 76.6% this time last year.

Year-to-date production is up to 59,338,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.6%. This is 2.0% less than this time last year when 60,560,000 st were produced at a capability utilization rate of 77.2%.

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

  • Northeast – 125,000 st (down 3,000 st)
  • Great Lakes – 602,000 st (up 6,000 st)
  • Midwest – 212,000 st (down 8,000 st)
  • South – 760,000 st (down 14,000 st)
  • West – 61,000 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.

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