Features

AISI: Raw steel production ticks higher

Written by Brett Linton

August 4, 2025

Domestic mill output increased last week, according to the latest data published by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production remains historically strong, holding near multi-year highs since early June.

Raw steel production was estimated at 1,782,000 short tons (st) of raw steel for the week ending Aug. 2 (Figure 1). Production increased 5,000 st, or 0.3%, from the previous week, just 5,000 st below the three-year high recorded six weeks ago.

Last week’s production was 4.2% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,710,000 st and 4.5% higher than the same week one year prior. YTD production now totals 52,346,000 st, up 1.1% from the same period of 2024. Prior to June, 2025 output had been trailing behind 2024 levels.

The mill capability utilization rate was 78.7% last week, up from 78.4% one week prior and 76.8% the same time last year. The capability utilization rate has averaged 76.4% so far this year.

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

  • Northeast – 123,000 st (up 10,000 st)
  • Great Lakes – 561,000 st (up 2,000 st)
  • Midwest – 234,000 st (up 2,000 st)
  • South – 791,000 st (down 11,000 st)
  • West – 73,000 st (up 2,000 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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