Features

AISI: Raw steel production slips to 8-week low

Written by Brett Linton

March 3, 2025

Raw steel mill production declined last week to one of the lowest levels seen this year, according to recent figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

For the week ending March 1, domestic steel mill output was estimated at 1,641,000 short tons (st) (Figure 1). Production decreased by 18,000 tons or 1.1% compared to the prior week, marking the second-lowest weekly rate recorded since the beginning of this year.

Last week’s production was 0.7% below than the year-to-date average of 1,653,000 st per week. Production was 4.6% higher this same week last year at 1,721,000 st. 

The latest mill capability utilization rate was 73.7%, down compared to both the previous week (74.5%) and levels this time last year (77.5%).

Year-to-date production now stands at 14,179,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 74.3%. This is 1.3% less than the same period of last year, when 14,359,000 st had been produced at a rate of 75.4%.

Raw production declined week-over-week (w/w) in four of the five regions reported by AISI:

  • Northeast – 122,000 st (up 15,000 st w/w)
  • Great Lakes – 464,000 st (down 17,000 st)
  • Midwest – 229,000 st (down 9,000 st)
  • South – 763,000 st (down 5,000 st)
  • West – 63,000 st (down 2,000 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.

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