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
Final Thoughts
What are our scrap survey participants saying about the market?
Price on Trade: 40% Brazil tariffs, Section 232 copper program, and misplaced carbon claims
The administration continues to negotiate deals with US trading partners, and the reciprocal tariff program appears poised for further modification. This week, we focus on other important developments that may have received less media attention.
SMU Survey: Modest improvement in Sentiment Indices
Both SMU Sentiment Indices continue to show that buyers remain optimistic for their company’s chances of success, though far less confident than they felt earlier in the year.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s Aug. 8, 2025, steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
Steel exports dip again in June
The volume of steel shipped outside of the country in June fell 3% from the prior month to 618,000 short tons (st), according to recently released data from the US Department of Commerce.