Steel Markets

AISI: Raw steel production bounces back

Written by Brett Linton

October 20, 2025

Domestic mill production rebounded last week, according to the latest production figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production had been historically strong over the summer months before softening in early October.

For the week ending Oct. 18, US mills produced an estimated 1,744,000 short tons (st) of raw steel (Figure 1). Output increased by 22,000 st (1.3%) from the previous week, when it had fallen to one of the lowest weekly rates seen since May.

Last week’s production was 1.1% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,725,000 st and 9.8% higher than the same week one year prior. YTD production now totals 71,964,000 st, up 2.6% from the same period last year.

The mill capability utilization rate was 76.1% last week, up from both the previous week (76.0%) and the same week last year (71.6%). Capability utilization has averaged 77.0% across this year to date.

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

  • Northeast – 114,000 st (up 8,000 st)
  • Great Lakes – 559,000 st (up 1,000 st)
  • Midwest – 212,000 st (down 10,000 st)
  • South – 790,000 st (up 17,000 st)
  • West – 69,000 st (up 6,000 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 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.

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