Features
AISI: Raw steel production edges down
Written by Brett Linton
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
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