Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production Tumbles Further

Written by Brett Linton

December 1, 2015

For the week ending November 28, 2015, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,487,000 net tons of raw steel, a 4.8 percent decrease over the previous week and a 19.9 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 62.2 percent, down from 65.3 percent last week and down from 77.2 percent this time last year.

The last time raw production and the capacity utilization rate were this low was the week ending January 2, 2010 when 1,468,000 tons were produced at a capacity utilization rate of 61.5 percent. 

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2015 YTD is reported to be 80,775,000 tons, down 8.7 percent from the 88,510,000 tons produced during the same period in 2014. The average capacity utilization rate for 2015 YTD is estimated to be 71.7 percent, down from 77.8 percent for 2014 YTD.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 196,000 tons, up 2,000 tons. Great Lakes at 576,000 tons, up 21,000 tons. Midwest at 191,000 tons, down 14,000 tons. South at 450,000 tons, down 73,000 tons. West at 74,000 tons, down 11,000 tons. Total production was 1,487,000 tons, down 75,000 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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