Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production: Capacity Utilization Rate at 5 Month High

Written by Brett Linton

February 16, 2016

For the week ending February 13, 2016, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,703,000 net tons of raw steel, a 1.1 percent increase over the previous week but a 0.1 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 72.8 percent, up from 71.9 percent last week and up from 72.4 percent this time last year. however, please note that the capacity utilization rates are based on new lower total capabilities with the removal of US Steel Fairfield from the mix (USS shuttered the Fairfield blast furnace last year).

The last time raw production was this high was the week ending October 10, 2015 when 1,705,000 tons were produced at a capacity utilization rate of 71.3 percent. The last time the capacity utilization rate was this high was the week ending September 5, 2015 when 1,741,000 tons were produced at a capacity utilization rate of 72.8 percent.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2016 YTD is reported to be 11,401,000 tons, down 8.3 percent from the 12,435,000 tons produced during the same period in 2015. The average capacity utilization rate for 2016 YTD is estimated to be 68.7 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 206,000 tons, up 3,000 tons. Great Lakes at 635,000 tons, up 6,000 tons. Midwest at 191,000 tons, up 6,000 tons. South at 592,000 tons, up 5,000 tons. West at 79,000 tons, down 2,000 tons. Total production was 1,703,000 tons, up 18,000 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