Analysis
March 19, 2026
Sheet prices reflect tighter supply, sources flag mill utilization rates
Written by Kristen DiLandro
As spot prices for hot- and cold-rolled coils edge higher, mill capacity utilization rates hover below 80%, raising concern among some market participants.
In its weekly assessment of raw steel production data issued March 16, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) found domestic mill production declined to 1.8 million short tons (st) for the week ending March 13. Mill production dipped for the third week in a row.
