AISI: Raw steel output slips following six-month high

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.