Steel Products Prices North America

Weekly Raw Steel Production Drops to 13 Week Low

Written by Brett Linton

July 26, 2016

For the week ending July 23, 2016, the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) estimated the U.S. steel industry produced 1,703,000 net tons of raw steel, a 2.5 percent decrease over the previous week and a 2.7 percent decrease over the same week one year ago. The estimated capacity utilization rate is 72.8 percent, down from 74.7 percent last week and down from 73.2 percent this time last year.

The last time raw steel production was this low was the week ending April 23, 2016 when 1,684,000 tons were produced at a capacity utilization rate of 72.0 percent.

Estimated total raw steel produced for 2016 YTD is reported to be 50,903,000 tons, down 0.8 percent from the 51,323,000 tons produced during the same period in 2015. The average capacity utilization rate for 2016 YTD is estimated to be 72.6 percent, up from 72.3 percent for 2015 YTD.

Week-over-week changes per district are as follows: Northeast at 189,000 tons, down 16,000 tons. Great Lakes at 663,000 tons, down 33,000 tons. Midwest at 161,000 tons, up 3,000 tons. South at 618,000 tons, up 6,000 tons. West at 72,000 tons, down 3,000 tons. Total production was 1,703,000 tons, down 43,000 tons.

About Weekly Raw Steel Production Data

The weekly raw steel production tonnage provided by the AISI is estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage provided by 50 percent of the domestic producers combined with monthly production data for the remainder. Therefore, this report should be used primarily to assess production trends. The monthly AISI production report provides a more detailed summary of steel production based on data supplied by companies representing over 75 percent of U.S. production capacity.

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