Features
AISI: Raw steel production recovered last week
Written by Brett Linton
April 1, 2024
Domestic raw steel production rebounded from the seven-week low seen last week. It now stands at a three-week high, according to the latest release from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)
Total steel output in the US was estimated to have been 1,722,000 short tons (st) in the week ending March 30, up 1.1% from the week prior. Raw production is up 0.2% compared to the same week last year, when production totaled 1,718,000 st.
The mill capability utilization rate was 77.5% last week, up from both the week prior (76.7%) and one year ago (76.9%).
Year-to-date production through the end of March was 21,752,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.2%. Annual production is down 2.6% from the same time frame last year, when 22,323,000 st were produced at a capability utilization rate of 77.7%.
Production by region is shown below, with the week-over-week changes shown in parentheses:
- Northeast – 136,000 st (up 7,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 584,000 st (up 8,000 st)
- Midwest – 190,000 st (up 11,000 st)
- South – 752,000 st (down 5,000 st)
- West – 60,000 st (down 2,000 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.
Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Features
Final Thoughts
Are we on the cusp of sorting out the tariff situation, or is this merely another round in the bout?
US steel imports recovered in May, fell again in June
Following one of the lowest levels seen in more than two years, US steel imports rebounded from April to May. However, trade remains low relative to recent years. Preliminary license data suggests another fall in June.
Tom Danjczek retires from Headwall Partners
Industry veteran and longtime steel advocate Thomas A. Danjczek announced he will “finally fully retire” as senior advisor of Headwall Partners.
SMU Community Chat: CRU analysts Thais Terzian and Frank Nikolic on Wednesday
CRU analysts Thais Terzian and Frank Nikolic will be the featured guests on the next SMU Community Chat on Wednesday, July 9, at 11 am ET.
Bessent on Vietnam: 20% tariff stands, Section 232 protections apply
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters that tariffs for Vietnamese imports to the US are 20% and "specific industries" have trade protections under the Section 232 tariffs.