Long Products
August 31, 2026
AISI: Raw steel production slips to 5-month low
Written by Brett Linton
Domestic steel production declined last week to the lowest weekly measure recorded since March, according to recently published American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) figures. Although down, production has been historically strong for most of this year.
Raw steel production was estimated at 1,818,000 short tons (st) in the week ending Aug. 29, a 30,000 st decrease from the previous week (Figure 1). This year, we have seen weekly production levels as high as 1,898,000 st in May (six-year high) and as low as 1,704,000 st in the first week of the year.
Last week’s production was 0.3% below the year-to-date (YTD) weekly average of 1,824,000 st, and 3.1% higher than the same week one year ago. YTD production now stands at 62,829,000 st, up 5.5% from the same period in 2025.
The mill capability utilization rate was 78.7% last week. This is down from 80.0% one week prior, but up from 78.2% one year prior. Capability utilization has averaged 79.0% YTD.
Production declined week over week (w/w) in three of the five regions defined by AISI:
- Northeast – 135,000 st (down 1,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 476,000 st (up 14,000 st)
- Midwest – 300,000 st (down 19,000 st)
- South – 839,000 st (down 27,000 st)
- West – 67,000 st (up 2,000 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.
