Features

AISI: Domestic mill output jumps to eight-month high

Written by Brett Linton

May 27, 2025

Total US mill output rebounded last week to the highest rate recorded since last September, according to raw production figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

For the week ending May 24, domestic mill output was estimated at 1,744,000 short tons (st) (Figure 1). Production increased by 24,000 tons (1.4%) compared to the prior week.

Last week’s production was 4.0% above the year-to-date (YTD) average of 1,678,000 st per week and 2.0% higher than the same week last year. 

The mill capability utilization rate was 77.6% last week, up compared to both the previous week (76.6%) and the same week last year (76.9%).

YTD production now stands at 34,530,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 75.2%. Compared to the same time period of 2024, production this year is down by 0.6%.

Raw production increased week over week (w/w) in four of the five AISI-defined regions:

  • Northeast – 127,000 st (up 11,000 st w/w)
  • Great Lakes – 551,000 st (up 11,000 st)
  • Midwest – 254,000 st (up 1,000 st)
  • South – 755,000 st (ups 4,000 st)
  • West – 57,000 st (down 3,000 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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