Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production at 27 Week High

Written by Brett Linton

August 17, 2015

For the week ending August 15, 2015, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,768,000 net tons of raw steel, a 0.7 percent increase over the previous week but a 8.4 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 73.9 percent, up from 73.4 percent last week but down from 80.2 percent this time last year.

The last time raw production was at this level was for the week ending February 7, 2015 when production was at 1,769,000 tons at a capacity utilization rate of 74.8 percent. The last time the capacity utilization rate was this high was for the week ending June 13, 2015 when production was at 1,747,000 tons at a capacity utilization rate of 73.9 percent.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2015 YTD is reported to be 55,771,000 tons, down 7.8 percent from the 60,478,000 tons produced during the same period in 2014. The average capacity utilization rate for 2015 YTD is estimated to be 72.6 percent, down from 78.0 percent for 2014 YTD.

Note that the total production capability figure for Q3 2015 is approximately 31.4 million tons versus 31.6 million tons for the same period last year and 30.7 million tons for the Q2 2015.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 223,000 tons, down 1,000 tons. Great Lakes at 647,000 tons, up 20,000 tons. Midwest at 211,000 tons, up 9,000 tons. South at 597,000 tons, down 18,000 tons. West at 90,000 tons, up 2,000 tons. Total production was 1,768,000 tons, up 12,000 tons.

SMU Note: Below is a graphic showing the weekly raw steel production history. To use the graphs interactive capabilities, you must view it on our website. You can do this by clicking here. If you need help navigating the website or need to know your login information, contact us at info@SteelMarketUpdate.com or by calling 800-432-3475.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior 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.

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