Steel Markets
Weekly Raw Steel Output Edges Down: AISI
Written by David Schollaert
February 21, 2023
Raw steel production by US mills slipped last week following five straight weeks of increases, according to data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
The decline pushed capacity utilization down to 74%, driven by decreases in tons in all regions except for the South. This is down from the prior week’s 74.4%, and down from 80.8% a year ago.
Domestic mills produced 1,654,000 net tons in the week ending Feb.18, down 0.6%, or 10,000 tons, from the previous week, and down 5.8% from 1,755,000 tons in the same week last year.
Adjusted year-to-date (YTD) production through Feb. 18 stood at 11,426,000 tons, with YTD capacity utilization at 73%. That’s 6.3% below the 12,199,000 tons in the same YTD period in 2022 when capacity utilization was 80.3%, AISI said.
Production by region for the week ending Feb. 18 is below. (Note: week-over-week change is in parentheses.)
- Northeast, 154,000 tons (down 2,000 tons)
- Great Lakes, 512,000 tons (down 12,000 tons)
- Midwest, 202,000 tons (down 1,000 tons)
- South, 724,000 tons (up 6,000 tons)
- West, 62,000 tons (down 1,000 tons)
Note: The raw steel production tonnage provided in this report is estimated. The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage provided by approximately 50% of the domestic production capacity combined with the most recent monthly production data for the remainder. Therefore, this report should be used primarily to assess production trends. The AISI production report “AIS 7,” published monthly and available by subscription, provides a more detailed summary of steel production based on data supplied by companies representing 75% of US production capacity.
By David Schollaert, david@steelmarketupdate.com
David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Steel Markets
CRU: Sheet import demand softens as domestic price gains have slowed
US domestic sheet price gains have begun to slow as previously pulled-forward demand has led to a decline in orders.
CMC looks beyond Arizona micro-mill woes to long-term viability of construction mart
Despite the economic and geopolitical upheaval of the last five years, CMC President and CEO Peter Matt points out that the construction market has been an essential element of the way forward.
US importers face stricter rules under revamped S232 tariffs
“CBP expects full compliance from the trade community for accurate reporting and payment of the additional duties. CBP will take enforcement action on non-compliance," the agency said in a March 7 bulletin.
Steel exports rebound in January
US steel exports recovered to a five-month high in January after having fallen to a two-year low in December. This growth follows four consecutive months of declining exports.
Construction spending drops marginally in January
Construction spending edged down slightly in January, slipping for the first time in four months. The US Census Bureau estimated spending at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,196 billion in January, down 0.2% from December’s downward revised rate. The January figure is 3.3% higher than a year ago. January’s result, despite the slight erosion, […]