Analysis
March 9, 2026
AISI: Raw steel production slips, holds near multi-year high
Written by Brett Linton
The volume of raw steel produced by US mills ticked lower last week but remains close to the multi-year high set two weeks prior, according to recently released data by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Raw production has trended upwards since the start of the year.
Domestic raw steel production was estimated at 1,791,000 short tons (st) in the week ending March 6, a reduction of 20,000 st, or 1.1%, from the previous week (Figure 1). Compare this to the mid-February peak of 1,817,000 st, the strongest rate recorded in four years.
Last week’s production was 0.9% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,775,000 st, and 5.2% higher than the same week one year ago. YTD production now totals 16,839,000 st, 5.0% higher than the same time frame of 2025.
The mill capability utilization rate eased to 77.4% last week. This is down from the previous week (78.3%), but up compared to the same week one year prior (76.5%). Capability utilization has averaged 77.2% YTD.
Raw production declined week over week (w/w) in three of the five AISI-defined regions:
- Northeast – 120,000 st (down 11,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 516,000 st (up 1,000 st)
- Midwest – 286,000 st (down 4,000 st)
- South – 803,000 st (down 8,000 st)
- West – 66,000 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.
