Steel Mills

AISI: Raw steel output ticks back up
Written by David Schollaert
March 11, 2024
Domestic production of raw steel inched higher last week, recovering after declining the week prior, according to the most recent data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Steel output in the US totaled an estimated 1,734,000 short tons (st) in the week ended March 9. That’s up 1% from the previous week and up 0.9% from the same week last year when production stood at 1,718,000 st.
The mill capability utilization rate was 78.1% in the week ended March 9, up from 77.3% a week earlier and from 76.9% a year ago.
Year-to-date production through March 9 was 16,593,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 75.8%. That was off 3.3% from 17,168,000 st in the same period a year earlier when capability utilization was 77.7%.
Production by region is shown below, with the week-over-week changes shown in parentheses:
- Northeast – 137,000 st (up 3,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 586,000 st (up 20,000 st)
- Midwest – 185,000 st (down 8,000 st)
- South – 762,000 st (up 7,000 st)
- West – 64,000 st (down 4,000 st)
Editor’s 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 U.S. production capacity.

David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Steel Mills

Nippon could up investment in USS facilities to $7B: Report
It's the latest twist as the proxy battle heats up for Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel.

Hybar expansion still on the table as Arkansas mill startup nears
As Hybar nears the completion of its $700-million rebar mill in Arkansas, the company said it is still “actively considering” building other steel facilities in the southern US.

Global steel production edges lower in February
February’s global raw steel output is tied with last December's for the fourth-lowest monthly production rate recorded over the past two years.

Fate of U.S. Steel hangs in the balance
The future of U.S. Steel remains unclear, but the proxy fight for control of the company is heating up. Shareholders will cast their votes on the company's future at the annual meeting in May.

Cliffs to idle Dearborn blast furnace, restart Cleveland furnace by July
Cleveland-Cliffs has decided to idle the steelmaking operations at its Dearborn Works in Michigan due to weak automotive demand.