Features

AISI: Raw steel production dips, remains near multi-month high

Written by Brett Linton

May 19, 2025

Following three weekly increases, domestic mill output edged lower last week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). This comes one week after production climbed to the highest rate recorded since last September.

US steel output was estimated at 1,720,000 short tons (st) for the week ending May 17, down 20,000 tons (1.1%) from the previous week (Figure 1).

Last week’s production was 2.7% above the year-to-date average of 1,674,000 st per week and 0.6% higher than the same week last year. 

The mill capability utilization rate dipped to 76.6% last week, down from 77.5% one week prior and 76.9% one year ago.

Year-to-date production now totals 32,786,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 75.0%, 0.8% below than the same time frame of 2024.

Raw production decreased week over week (w/w) in three of the five regions defined by AISI:

  • Northeast – 116,000 st (down 17,000 st w/w)
  • Great Lakes – 540,000 st (down 12,000 st)
  • Midwest – 253,000 st (up 12,000 st)
  • South – 751,000 st (up 4,000 st)
  • West – 60,000 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.

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