Features

AISI: Raw steel output slips

September 15, 2025

Domestic mill output declined last week, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). While down, production remains historically strong, holding near multi-year highs since June.

Raw steel production was estimated at 1,764,000 short tons (st) for the week ending Sept. 13 (Figure 1). Output decreased 31,000 st, or 1.7%, from the previous week, just 36,000 st beneath the three-and-a-half-year high seen two weeks ago.

Last week’s production was 2.5% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,721,000 st and 6.5% higher than the same week a year earlier. YTD output now totals 63,225,000 st, up 2.0% from the same week of 2024.

The mill capability utilization rate was 77.9% last week, down from 78.1% the prior week, but higher than the same week last year (74.6%). Across the first nine months of 2025, capability utilization has averaged 77.0%.

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

Northeast – 126,000 st (up 4,000 st)
Great Lakes – 556,000 st (down 3,000 st)
Midwest – 236,000 st (down 4,000 st)
South – 784,000 st (down 18,000 st)
West – 62,000 st (down 10,000 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.