Features
AISI: Raw steel output edges higher, nears six-month high
Written by Brett Linton
April 14, 2025
Raw steel mill output increased last week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production is now at the second-highest weekly total recorded so far this year, nearing one of the strongest levels logged over the past six months.
Through the week ending April 12, domestic steel mill production was estimated at 1,689,000 short tons (st) (Figure 1). Production increased by 33,000 tons, or 2.0%, compared to the previous week.
Last week’s production was 1.7% above the year-to-date weekly average of 1,661,000 st per week, but 0.4% lower than levels seen one year ago.
The mill capability utilization rate last week was 75.2%, up week over week (w/w) from 74.4%, but down from 76.3% this time last year. Since the start of 2025, the capability utilization rate has averaged 74.6%.
Year-to-date production now stands at 24,213,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 74.6%. This is 1.3% below the same period last year, when 24,534,000 st had been produced at a rate of 75.9%.
Raw production increased this week in all five regions, as reported by AISI:
- Northeast – 127,000 st (up 10,000 st w/w)
- Great Lakes – 549,000 st (up 15,000 st)
- Midwest – 248,000 st (up 3,000 st)
- South – 697,000 st (up 3,000 st)
- West – 68,000 st (up 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
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Features
Final Thoughts
If I could change something, it’d be this: Political news would get more boring. And news about steel prices and steel demand would get a little more exciting.
US and Canada expect positive outcomes from tariff negotiations
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that they’ll be formulating a trade deal that works for both nations.
Final Thoughts: Survey says edition
SMU’s latest survey results indicate that steel market participants think sheet prices are at or near a bottom. But most also think there is limited upside once they inflect higher.
SMU Scrap Survey: Current and Future Sentiment tick down
SMU’s Current Sentiment Index for scrap decreased this month, a move mirrored by our Future Sentiment Index, according to the latest data from our ferrous scrap survey.
Leibowitz: When the shutdown should end
There is no doubt that the current government shutdown reflects the vast divisions between the extremes of American politics, society, and even geography. Almost all Americans agree that government is necessary, but voters disagree...