Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production at Five Month Low

Written by Brett Linton

October 19, 2015

For the week ending October 17, 2015, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,675,000 net tons of raw steel, a 1.8 percent decrease over the previous week and a 9.0 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 70.1 percent, down from 71.3 percent last week and down from 76.5 percent this time last year.

The last time raw production was this low was the week ending May 9, 2015 with 1,665,000 tons produced at a capacity utilization rate of 70.4 percent. The last time the capacity utilization rate was this low was the week ending April 18, 2015 when 1,655,000 tons were produced at a capacity utilization rate of 70.0 percent.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2015 YTD is reported to be 71,199,000 tons, down 8.0 percent from the 77,406,000 tons produced during the same period in 2014. The average capacity utilization rate for 2015 YTD is estimated to be 72.4 percent, down from 77.8 percent for 2014 YTD.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 194,000 tons, up 5,000 tons. Great Lakes at 622,000 tons, down 32,000 tons. Midwest at 200,000 tons, down 3,000 tons. South at 568,000 tons, unchanged. West at 91,000 tons, unchanged. Total production was 1,675,000 tons, down 30,000 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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