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    Analysis

    May 18, 2026

    AISI: Raw steel production inches up to 6-year high

    Written by Brett Linton

    Domestic raw steel production rose to a new multi-year high last week, surpassing the previous highs set each of the previous two weeks, according to recent American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) figures.

    US steel mills produced an estimated 1,898,000 short tons (st) of raw steel in the week ending May 16, the highest weekly output rate recorded since March 2020 (Figure 1). Production increased 1.0% from the prior week and has ramped up 11% since to the beginning of the year.

    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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