Features

Active rig counts rise in US and Canada

September 5, 2025

Drilling activity increased in both the US and Canada last week, according to the latest oil and gas rig count data released by Baker Hughes. US counts remain historically low, while Canadian figures are relatively healthy.

The US rig count rose by one rig week over week (w/w) to a total of 537. While up, this is just one rig above the near-four-year low of 536 seen one week prior. Compared to one year ago, there are 45 fewer US rigs in operation this week.

Canadian activity increased by six rigs w/w to 181, two rigs shy of a five-month high. Despite recent increases, Canadian counts are down by 39 rigs compared to this time last year.

The monthly international rig count declined by three rigs in August to 1,076, down by 66 from one year ago.

The Baker Hughes rig count is significant for the steel industry because it is a leading indicator of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) demand, 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

Brett Linton is a digital operations 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.