Long Products
June 29, 2026
AISI: Raw steel production slows to two-month low
Written by Brett Linton
Total US raw steel output declined last week for the third consecutive week but remained historically strong, according to recent American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) figures.
Domestic raw steel production was estimated at 1,842,000 short tons (st) in the week ending June 27 (Figure 1). Output was down 9,000 st, or 0.5%, from the prior week and is now at the lowest rate recorded since late April. Recall that in mid-May, production touched a six-year high of 1,898,000 st.
Last week’s production was 1.3% above the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,818,000 st, and 2.8% higher than the same week one year ago. YTD production now totals 46,237,000 st, 6.0% higher than the same period of last year.
The mill capability utilization rate was 79.8% last week, down from 80.2% the previous week, but identical to the same week of 2025. This rate had reached a four-year high of 82.2% back in mid-May. Capability utilization has averaged 78.7% YTD.
Raw production decreased week over week (w/w) in three of the five regions defined by AISI:
- Northeast – 136,000 st (up 7,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 498,000 st (up 2,000 st)
- Midwest – 313,000 st (down 5,000 st)
- South – 828,000 st (down 5,000 st)
- West – 67,000 st (down 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.
