Features

AISI: Raw steel production jumps to 6-month high

Written by Brett Linton

April 1, 2025

Raw steel mill output from US mills rebounded last week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production is now at the highest weekly rate recorded so far this year.

For the week ending March 29, domestic steel output was estimated at 1,697,000 short tons (st), an increase of 43,000 st, or 2.6%, from the prior week (Figure 1). The last time we saw mill output this high was in September 2024.

Last week’s production was 2.3% greater than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,659,000 st per week. Compared to this time last year, production this week is slightly up by 0.1%. 

The mill capability utilization rate rose to 76.2% last week, up from 74.3% the previous week. However, it remains slightly below the 76.4% rate recorded this time last year.

Year-to-date mill output totals 20,868,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 74.5%. This is 1.3% lower than the same period in 2024 when 21,143,000 st was produced at a 75.8% utilization rate.

Weekly regional production data and week-over-week (w/w) changes are as follows:

  • Northeast – 126,000 st (up 3,000 st w/w)
  • Great Lakes – 508,000 st (up 20,000 st)
  • Midwest – 231,000 st (up 7,000 st)
  • South – 759,000 st (up 14,000 st)
  • West – 73,000 st (down 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.

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