Features
AISI: Raw steel production holds strong
Written by Brett Linton
September 3, 2024
Domestic raw steel mill production eased last week but remains historically high, according to the latest release from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Recall that the weekly production figure two weeks ago had reached the highest rate seen in over a year and a half.
Total raw steel mill output was estimated to have been 1,760,000 short tons (st) in the week ending Aug. 31. This is down 22,000 st or 1.2% from the week prior.
Raw production last week was 2.3% higher than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,721,000 st. Production is 1.0% greater than the same week one year prior when mill output totaled 1,742,000 st.
Mill capability utilization rate last week eased to 79.2%, down from 80.2% the week prior but up from 76.6% this time last year.
Year-to-date production is up to 59,338,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 76.6%. This is 2.0% less than this time last year when 60,560,000 st were produced at a capability utilization rate of 77.2%.
Weekly production by region is shown below, with the weekly changes noted in parentheses:
- Northeast – 125,000 st (down 3,000 st)
- Great Lakes – 602,000 st (up 6,000 st)
- Midwest – 212,000 st (down 8,000 st)
- South – 760,000 st (down 14,000 st)
- West – 61,000 st (down 3,000 st)
Editor’s note: The raw steel production tonnage provided in this report is estimated and should be used primarily to assess production trends. The monthly AISI “AIS 7” report is available by subscription and provides a more detailed summary of domestic steel production.
Brett Linton
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Features
Final Thoughts
I’m not sure what I can write today that won’t be old news after April 2. The Trump administration has dubbed Wednesday “Liberation Day.” Since it’s mostly about tariffs, let’s just call it “Tariff Day.” Or maybe we should call it “Tariff Week” – since tariffs typically dominate the news cycle in the first week […]
Price on Trade: Auto tariffs, auto parts, and Hyundai – a world of rapid changes
Trump's new auto tariffs will apply to passenger vehicles (including sedans, sport utility vehicles, crossover utility vehicles, minivans, and cargo vans), light trucks, and certain automobile parts (including engines and engine parts, transmissions and powertrain parts, and electrical components).
SMU Steel Summit 2025: Will we see you there?
Anticipation leading up to SMU’s Steel Summit 2025 is already heating up after last year’s record-setting attendance!
Week in Review: March 23-28
The constant flow of information we all receive can be a little overwhelming, but SMU is here to help with a snapshot of the week.
CRU: Canacero urges Mexico-US partnership to fend off Asian steel imports
Victor Cairo, head of Mexico’s steel sector body Canacero and CEO of ArcelorMittal Mexico, says he is confident negotiations between the Mexican and US governments planned for April 2 will lead to the creation of a regional block to substitute imports, especially from Asia.