Steel Products Prices North America

Raw Steel Production Dips 1.8 Percent

Written by Brett Linton

June 13, 2017

U.S. raw steel production totaled 1,718,000 net tons for the week ending June 10, a decline of 2.1 percent from the same period last year, and down 1.8 percent from the previous week. The mill capacity utilization rate was 73.7 percent, down from 75.0 percent a week ago, estimates the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI) in Washington. Capacity utilization is slightly below the 75.1 percent rate of a year ago.

Adjusted year-to-date production through June 10 totaled 39,885,000 net tons at a capacity utilization rate of 74.4 percent, up 2.6 percent from the same period last year when the utilization rate was 72.6 percent.

Week-over-week changes per district were as follows: Northeast: 218,000 tons, up 3,000 tons; Great Lakes: 630,000 tons, up 9,000 tons; Midwest: 170,000 tons, down 1,000 tons; South: 623,000 tons, down 42,000 tons; and West: 77,000 tons, no change; for a total of 1,718,000.

The AISI estimates the production capability for the second-quarter 2017 at 30.3 million tons, down slightly from 30.4 million tons in second-quarter 2016 and 30.0 million tons in first-quarter 2017.

About Weekly Raw Steel Production Data

The weekly raw steel production data provided by the AISI is estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage provided from 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 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.

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