AISI: Weekly raw steel mill output ticks up
Domestic raw steel production inched higher last week but remains low compared to recent months, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
Category: Market Data
Chicago Business Barometer rebounds in December
The Chicago Business Barometer increased in December after hitting an 18-month low in November, according to Market News International (MNI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
ISM: December marks 10th month of contraction for manufacturing
The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) latest report finds that December 2025’s market conditions in the manufacturing sector continued to soften.
US steel mills slow output during end-of-year holiday season
The latest American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) data confirms that US steel mills have pulled back production during the end-of-year holiday season. Still, year-to-date figures show higher output and utilization rates compared with last year.
Rig count update: US activity increases, Canada plunges
The number of oil and gas rigs operating in the US ticked higher this week, while Canadian activity tumbled, according to the latest data released from Baker Hughes.
Global steel production falls to near two-year low in November
The total amount of raw steel produced around the world slipped 3% from October to an estimated 140.1 million metric tons (mt) in November, according to World Steel Association (worldsteel) data. This marks the lowest monthly production rate since December 2023.
AISI: Weekly raw steel mill output ticks lower
Domestic raw steel production edged lower last week, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Metalformers' near-term outlook more bullish in December despite slip in shipping: PMA
Metalforming manufacturers are more upbeat on the prospect of improved near-term economic activity despite lower shipping levels in December, according to the Precision Metalforming Association’s (PMA) December report.
Rig count falls in both US and Canada
The US and Canadian rig counts both fell this week, according to the latest Baker Hughes data released on Friday, Dec. 19.
SMU Mill Order Index falls in November
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) declined in November after surging the month prior. The fall came as service center intake levels sharply declined, supported by a cut in shipments, according to our latest service center inventories data.
Asian HR theoretically cheaper than US HR - even with S232 at 50%
The price gap between stateside hot band and landed offshore product continues to narrow, inching closer toward parity. The premium is now, on average, at its lowest level since July.
AIA: Architecture firms face prolonged billing declines as 2026 looms
Architecture firms across the United States continued to grapple with weak billings in November, amid uncertain economic conditions, according to the AIA.
Apparent steel supply remains strong through September
Apparent steel supply rose to 8.64 million short tons in September, driven primarily by higher domestic mill shipments despite a sharp drop in finished imports.
December energy market update
In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stock levels through December
SMU price ranges: Sheet market rising ahead of holidays
Following last week’s pause, SMU’s price indices were overall steady to higher this week, holding at or near multi-month highs.
HVAC equipment shipments down through October
US shipments of heating and cooling equipment fell 11% in October from September to the lowest monthly rate of the year, and an eight-year low, according to AHRI.
Steel export volumes weaken in September
Following August’s modest 4% uptick, the volume of steel shipped outside of the country slipped 8% in September to 594,000 short tons, according to recently released data from the US Department of Commerce.
AISI: Raw steel production rebounds after near six‑month low
The volume of raw steel produced by US mills ticked higher last week, according to the latest figures published by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Manufacturing in New York state contracts in December
Business activity in New York state retreated in December, according to the Empire State Manufacturing Survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Steel imports historically weak through November license data
According to recently finalized US Commerce Department data, US steel imports tumbled to a near five-year low in September
Plate buyers avoid restocking, wary of market uncertainty
US plate market participants hope the new year will bring favorable market conditions. But they remain leery of making big purchases because of lingering uncertainty.
SMU Survey: Buyers’ Sentiment slips, future outlook hits 9-month high
The latest SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices showed mixed results.
US rig count slips as Canadian count ticks up
The US rig count edged down this week while the Canadian count inched up, according to the latest Baker Hughes data released on Friday, Dec. 12.
SMU flat-rolled market survey results now available
SMU’s latest steel buyers market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.
SMU Survey: Lead times stabilize following November extensions
Steel mill lead times held relatively steady this week on both sheet and plate products, according to responses from SMU’s latest market survey.
SMU Survey: Buyers report mills are less negotiable on sheet prices, more on plate
Less than half of the steel buyers who responded to our market survey this week reported that domestic mills are willing to talk price on new spot orders
Dodge Momentum Index down 1% in November, up on year
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) decreased 1% from October to November. However, it's up 36% year-to-date from the average reading over the same period in 2024, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.
US scrap tags increase in December
US ferrous scrap prices have picked up in December, sources told SMU.
AISI: Raw steel production eases to near multi-month low
Domestic raw steel production marginally declined last week, according to the latest data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
SMU scrap market survey results now available
SMU’s December ferrous scrap market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members.