Market Data
March 30, 2026
AISI: Raw steel production rises to four-week high
Written by Brett Linton
The volume of raw steel produced by US mills increased last week to a four-week high and is now within earshot of a multi-year high, according to data recently published by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
US mills produced an estimated 1,803,000 short tons (st) of raw steel in the week ending March 28 (Figure 1). Output is up by 22,000 st, or 1.2%, from the previous week. Compare this to the four-year high rate of 1,817,000 st set in mid-February.
Last week’s production was 1.4% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,778,000 st, and 5.9% higher than the same week one year ago. YTD production now totals 22,197,000 st, 5.0% higher than the same time frame of 2025.
The mill capability utilization rate increased to 77.9% last week. This is higher than both the previous week (77.0%) and the same week one year prior (76.5%). Capability utilization has averaged 77.2% YTD.
Raw production increased week over week (w/w) in four of the five regions defined by AISI:
- Northeast – 136,000 st (up 7,000 st w/w)
- Great Lakes – 513,000 st (up 13,000 st)
- Midwest – 270,000 st (down 17,000 st)
- South – 818,000 st (up 11,000 st)
- West – 66,000 st (up 8,000 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.
