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.
Last week’s production was 5.2% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,805,000 st, and 10.3% higher than the same week one year prior. YTD production now stands at 35,183,000 st, 6.5% higher than the same time frame of 2025.
The mill capability utilization rate rose to 82.2% last week, the highest weekly rate recorded since May 2022. Compare this to 81.4% the previous week and 76.6% one year prior. Capability utilization has averaged 78.3% YTD.
Raw production increased week over week (w/w) in three of the five AISI-defined regions:
- Northeast – 133,000 st (down 7,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 533,000 st (up 11,000 st)
- Midwest – 313,000 st (up 4,000 st)
- South – 853,000 st (up 11,000 st)
- West – 66,000 st (down 1,000 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.
