Features
AISI: Raw steel production eases after recent high
Written by Brett Linton
July 21, 2025
Domestic steel mill output edged lower last week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). While down, production remains historically strong since peaking in early June.
US mills produced an estimated 1,768,000 short tons (st) of raw steel for the week ending July 19 (Figure 1). Output declined 15,000 st, or 0.8%, week over week (w/w), sitting 19,000 st below the three-year high recorded in mid-June.
Last week’s production was 3.7% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,705,000 st and 4.2% higher than the same week one year ago. YTD production now stands at 48,750,000 st, up 0.8% from the same period of 2024. Prior to June, 2025 output had lagged behind last year.
The mill capability utilization rate was 78.0% last week, down from the previous week (78.7%), but higher than the same week last year (76.4%). The capability utilization rate has averaged 76.2% so far this year.
Raw production decreased w/w in four of the five AISI-defined regions:
- Northeast – 118,000 st (down 3,000 st w/w)
- Great Lakes – 561,000 st (down 9,000 st)
- Midwest – 223,000 st (down 10,000 st)
- South – 798,000 st (up 8,000 st)
- West – 68,000 st (down 1,000 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
Steel market chatter this week
Market chatter from steel buyers this week: prices steady to slightly higher, demand weak, inventories slow, and tariffs clouding the outlook.
Final Thoughts
Algoma Steel has publicly confirmed that it might scale back its presence in the US market. It's no secret why: 50% Section 232 tariffs remain in place against Canada, which has traditionally been one of our closest allies.
US ITC determines 10 countries have dumped CORE steel
The US International Trade Commission (ITC) finds that corrosion resistant steel (CORE) imports from 10 countries have caused material damage to domestic product producers, according to the ITC’s statement.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to share what you'd like to see happen with the USCMA agreement when it comes up for joint review?
Ex-USW President Gerard passes away at 78
Former United Steelworkers (USW) union International President Leo W. Gerard has died at the age of 78.