Steel Products Prices North America

U.S. Raw Steel Production Down Last Week

September 26, 2017

U.S. raw steel production totaled 1,720,000 net tons in the week ending Sept. 23, an 8.1 percent increase from the same period last year, but down 1.4 percent from the prior week. The mill capability utilization rate for the week averaged 73.8 percent, down slightly from 74.9 percent the prior week, but up substantially from the 68.0 percent at the same time last year, reports the American Iron and Steel Institute in Washington.

Adjusted year-to-date production through Sept. 23 totaled 66,098,000 net tons, up 3.6 percent from the same period last year. The average mill capability utilization rate for the year was 74.6 percent, up from 72.1 percent in 2016.

Following is production for the Sept. 23 week by district: North East, 200,000 net tons; Great Lakes, 684,000 net tons; Midwest, 160,000 net tons; South, 614,000 net tons; and West, 62,000 net tons, for a total of 1,720,000.

The raw steel production tonnage in this report is estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage 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 AISI monthly production report provides a more detailed summary of steel production based on data supplied by companies representing 75 percent of U.S. production capacity.

Capability for the third quarter is approximately 30.6 million tons, compared to 30.7 million tons for the same period last year and 30.3 million tons for the second quarter.

Below is a graph showing the history of weekly raw steel production. You will need to view the graph on our website to use its interactive features, you can do so by clicking here. If you need assistance logging into or navigating the website, please contact our office at 800-432-3475 or info@SteelMarketUpdate.com.