Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production Bounces

Written by Brett Linton

February 9, 2016

For the week ending February 6, 2016, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,685,000 net tons of raw steel, a 1.7 percent increase over the previous week but a 1.2 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 71.9 percent, up from 70.7 percent last week but down from 72.4 percent this time last year. The capacity utilization rates are based on new lower total capacities with the removal of US Steel Fairfield from the mix (USS shuttered the Fairfield blast furnace last year).

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2016 YTD is reported to be 9,698,000 tons, down 9.6 percent from the 10,730,000 tons produced during the same period in 2015. The average capacity utilization rate for 2016 YTD is estimated to be 68.0 percent, down from 74.4 percent for 2015 YTD.

Note that the AISI estimates capability for Q1 2016 to be 30.5 million tons versus 30.4 million tons for the same period last year and 31.4 million tons for the Q4 2015.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 203,000 tons, down 3,000 tons. Great Lakes at 629,000 tons, up 4,000 tons. Midwest at 185,000 tons, down 5,000 tons. South at 587,000 tons, up 24,000 tons. West at 81,000 tons, up 8,000 tons. Total production was 1,685,000 tons, up 28,000 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.

Read more from Brett Linton

Latest in Steel Products Prices North America