Features

AISI: Raw steel production edges down

January 21, 2025

Raw steel mill production ticked lower last week, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). This follows a three-week high observed one week prior. Weekly production levels have fluctuated within a relatively narrow range across the last four months.

Total US mill output was estimated at 1,644,000 short tons (st) through the week ending Jan. 18 (Figure 1). Production eased 15,000 tons, or 0.9%, week over week (w/w).

Raw production was 0.1% lower than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,646,000 st. Production is 0.9% greater than the same week last year when output totaled 1,629,000 st.

Last week’s mill capability utilization rate was 73.8%. This is down from the previous week (74.5%), but remains above levels seen one year ago (73.3%).

Year-to-date production now totals 4,237,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 74.0%. This is 1.1% higher than the same period of 2024 when 4,189,000 st was produced at a capability utilization rate of 73.3%.

Weekly regional production data is as follows:

Northeast – 118,000 st (down 10,000 st w/w)
Great Lakes – 495,000 st (up 12,000 st)
Midwest – 241,000 st (up 1,000 st)
South – 731,000 st (down 19,000 st)
West – 59,000 st (up 1,000 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 graphic included in this report shows unadjusted weekly data. 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.