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
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Features

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.

Final Thoughts
When will we see prime scrap become scarce as the worldwide transition to EAF melting increases, especially for HRC production? It's a question I've been asked a lot.