Features

AISI: Raw steel output slips following six-month high

April 7, 2025

The volume of raw steel produced by US mills dipped last week after hitting a six-month high, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Despite this decline, production remains in line with the average rates seen so far this year.

Domestic steel mill production was estimated at 1,656,000 short tons (st) for the week ending April 5 (Figure 1), down 41,000 tons or 2.4% from the previous week.

Last week’s production was 0.2% below the year-to-date weekly average of 1,659,000 st per week. Compared to levels one year ago, production this week was 2.4% lower.

The mill capability utilization rate last week was 74.4%. This is down compared to both the prior week (76.2%) and the same week last year (76.3%)

Year-to-date production totals 22,524,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 74.5%. This is 1.4% lower than the same period of last year, when 22,838,000 st had been produced at a rate of 75.8%.

This week’s decline was primarily driven by reduced output in the Southern region, according to AISI:

Northeast – 117,000 st (down 9,000 st w/w)
Great Lakes – 534,000 st (up 26,000 st)
Midwest – 245,000 st (up 14,000 st)
South – 694,000 st (down 65,000 st)
West – 66,000 st (down 7,000 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.