Canada
September 25, 2026
Written by Brett Linton
The latest tally of active drilling rigs increased in both the US and Canada this week, according to oil and gas rig count data published by Baker Hughes.
The US rig count rose by four to 599 rigs this week, now at the highest level recorded since May 2024. Compared to this time last year, there are 50 more rigs in operation today.
Global raw steel production slowed for the third month in a row in August, according to the latest figures from the World Steel Association (worldsteel).
Metalformers’ optimism softened in the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) September Business Conditions Report.
Drilling activity increased in the US this week but declined in Canada, according to active oil and gas rig count figures recently released from Baker Hughes. The US rig count rose by four to 595 rigs this week, now at the highest level recorded in over two years. Canadian counts eased to a 10-week low of 197 this week, down 10 rigs from the prior week.
The phrase “Fortress North America” seems to resurface anytime US, Canada, and Mexico trade negotiations roll around. The idea of an economic Fortress North America burst onto the scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the lead up to NAFTA. In theory...