• Skip to main content

    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.

    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.

    Read more from Brett Linton

    Latest in Long Products

    Imports fall back slightly in September, slide further in October

    Final import data for September from the US Commerce Department shows a slight decline from August’s 15-month high. And October’s license count suggests another month-on-month (m/m) decline in imports. September imports of 2,416,717 short tons (st) were down just 1% from 2,434,108 st in August, a 15-month high. October license data show a steeper 8% m/m fall to 2,214,730 st (Figure 1, left). August appears to have been the peak for the recovery in imports, which has been ongoing since February of this year, when we saw some of the lowest levels since 2020.

    Deacero casts first billet at new Ramos Arizpe mini-mill

    Mexican longs producer Deacero has cast the first billet at its new minimill in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, moving the Danieli-supplied caster into commissioning. It's a key milestone for Deacero's $600-million Ramos II mini-mill, said Italian plant engineering and equipment provider. "The achievement further strengthens the long-standing collaboration between Deacero and Danieli, and further confirms Danieli’s already-established presence in the Mexican long-products market," the company said in a statement on Nov. 2.