Features
AISI: Weekly raw steel production recovers for second week
Written by Brett Linton
October 21, 2024
Domestic raw steel mill production rose last week for the second consecutive week, according to the latest data released from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). While up week over week, production remains near one of the lowest rates recorded this year.
In the week ending Oct. 19, total raw steel mill output was estimated to have been 1,631,000 short tons (st). Production increased 11,000 st, or 0.7%, from the prior week. Recall that earlier this month, production had dipped to a 20-month low of 1,606,000 st (Figure 1).
Last week’s production was 4.8% lower than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,714,000 st. Weekly production is 2.0% less than levels recorded one year ago, when mill output totaled 1,664,000 st.
The mill capability utilization rate last week was 73.4%. This is up from 72.9% one week prior and higher than the 72.4% rate at this time last year.
Year-to-date production has reached 71,069,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.4%. This is 1.8% less than the same time frame last year, when 72,337,000 st had been produced at a capability utilization rate of 76.4%.
Weekly production by region is shown below, with the weekly changes noted in parentheses:
- Northeast – 115,000 st (up 7,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 581,000 st (up 11,000 st)
- Midwest – 198,000 st (down 15,000 st)
- South – 686,000 st (up 5,000 st).
- West – 51,000 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. The monthly AISI “AIS 7” report is available by subscription and provides a more detailed summary of domestic steel production.
Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Features
Final Thoughts
Will a US-UK meeting next week prove a harbinger of tariff deals to come, or will it be just another case of having the rug pulled from under us?
SMU Week in Review: Sept. 8-12, 2025
As governments falter, ecosystems unravel, and moral compasses spin like casino wheels, the American steel industry remains stubbornly stable. Come, take a walk with me through a recap of this week's steel industry news...
Apparent steel supply remains elevated in July
Apparent supply totaled 8.88 million short tons (st) in July, down 38,000 st from June and 6% higher than the same month last year
Drill rig activity ticks higher in US and Canada
Active rig counts increased in both the US and Canada last week, according to figures released by Baker Hughes. Although rising, US counts continue to hover just above historic lows. Canadian figures remain comparatively healthy, rising to a six-month high this week. Total US rig counts climbed by two week over week (w/w) to 539. […]
Price on Trade: IEEPA tariffs head to the Supreme Court, DOJ ramps up trade enforcement
International trade law and policy remain a hot topic in Washington and beyond this week. We are paying special attention to the ongoing litigation of the president’s tariff policies and the administration’s efforts to heighten trade enforcement.