Features
AISI: Domestic steel output ticks back up
Written by Brett Linton
June 23, 2025
Following a minor dip in mid-June, raw steel production rose last week to a new multi-year high, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). US mills have ramped up production since April, with weekly output steadily increasing in nearly every week since.
Domestic steel mills produced an estimated 1,787,000 short tons (st) of raw steel through the week ending June 21 (Figure 1). Output grew by 4,000 tons, or 0.2%, compared to the prior week, now at the highest unadjusted weekly figure recorded since May 2022.
Last week’s production was 5.5% above the year-to-date (YTD) average of 1,694,000 st per week and 4.9% higher than the same week the previous year.
The mill capability utilization rate was 79.6% last week, up from both the prior week (79.4%) and one year ago (76.7%).
YTD production now stands at 41,642,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 75.8%. Mills have produced 0.2% more steel this year than the same period of 2024. Before June, steel output in 2025 had been running behind 2024 levels.
Raw production increased week over week (w/w) in three of the five AISI-defined regions:
- Northeast – 120,000 st (down 9,000 st w/w)
- Great Lakes – 564,000 st (up 8,000 st)
- Midwest – 248,000 st (down 5,000 st)
- South – 786,000 st (up 6,000 st)
- West – 69,000 st (up 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
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.
Final Thoughts
When will we see prime scrap become scarce as the worldwide transition to EAF melting increases, especially for HRC production? It's a question I've been asked a lot.