Features

Rig count ticks lower in the US, higher in Canada
Written by Brett Linton
June 20, 2025
Oil and gas drilling activity declined in the US again this week, while the Canadian rig count improved, according to Baker Hughes.
The US rig count declined by one this week to 554, the eighth-consecutive weekly decline and the lowest rate seen since November 2021. Compared to the same week last year, 34 fewer rigs are in operation today.
The Canadian rig count increased by one rig this week to 139, 27 fewer than the same week of 2024. Canadian activity slows each spring as thawing ground conditions limit access to drilling sites. It then recovers across June and July.

The international rig count is reported monthly at the beginning of each month. The May count was 886 rigs, down five from April and 67 fewer than one year ago.

The Baker Hughes rig count is significant for the steel industry because it is a leading indicator of demand for oil country tubular goods (OCTG), a key end market for steel sheet.
For a history of the US and Canadian rig counts, visit the rig count page on our website.

Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Features

Steel market chatter this week
Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events.

Final Thoughts: The hidden cost of analysis paralysis in the age of uncertainty
With US economic indicators all over the map, it’s no wonder the steel market has experienced a whole lot of analysis paralysis this year.

Steel imports tumbled further in July and August
US steel imports declined for the second consecutive month in July, according to recently finalized US Commerce Department data.

CRU: Anglo and Teck announce intention to merge
Directors of Anglo American and Teck Resources have conditionally agreed to join together in what they describe as a merger of equals with a focus on copper.

Steel Summit: ITR economist urges execs to prepare for growth, not recession
If the steel industry professionals who made it to the very final presentation of this year’s SMU Steel Summit were expecting another round of cautious forecasting, they were in for a surprise. Because what they got was a wake-up call.