Features
AISI: US steel mill production keeps increasing
Written by Brett Linton
May 12, 2025
Domestic mill output continues to grow, with raw steel production rising last week to the highest rate recorded since last September, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
For the week ending May 10, US steel output rose for the third consecutive week to an estimated 1,740,000 short tons (st) (Figure 1). Production increased by 15,000 tons (0.9%) compared to the previous week.
Last week’s production was 4.1% above the year-to-date average of 1,672,000 st per week and 1.8% higher than the same week last year.
The mill capability utilization rate climbed to 77.5%, up from 76.8% the prior week and 76.9% one year ago.
Year-to-date production now stands at 31,066,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 74.9%. This is 0.9% below than the same time period of 2024, when 31,334,000 st had been produced at a 76.1% rate.
Regional production
Raw production increased week over week (w/w) in four of the five AISI-defined regions:
- Northeast – 133,000 st (up 1,000 st w/w)
- Great Lakes – 552,000 st (up 4,000 st)
- Midwest – 241,000 st (up 4,000 st)
- South – 747,000 st (up 10,000 st)
- West – 67,000 st (down 4,000 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
Will a US-UK meeting next week prove a harbinger of tariff deals to come, or will it be just another case of having the rug pulled from under us?
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.