Steel Mills

AISI: Raw steel production slipped last week

Written by Brett Linton

March 24, 2025

Raw steel mill output declined last week for the second consecutive week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). While down, production remains in line with the average rates recorded across 2025 to date.

Domestic steel mill production was estimated at 1,654,000 short tons (st) in the week ending March 22 (Figure 1). Production declined by 13,000 tons, or 0.8%, week over week (w/w).

Last week’s production was 0.1% below the year-to-date average of 1,656,000 st per week. Compared to this time last year, production this week is down 2.5%. 

The latest mill capability utilization rate slipped to 74.3% from 74.9% the previous week. This time last year it was 76.4%.

Year-to-date production now stands at 19,171,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 74.4%. This is 1.4% less than the same period of 2024, when 19,447,000 st had been produced at a rate of 75.8%.

Raw production increased this week in three of the five regions, as reported by AISI:

  • Northeast – 123,000 st (up 3,000 st w/w)
  • Great Lakes – 488,000 st (up 13,000 st)
  • Midwest – 224,000 st (down 16,000 st)
  • South – 745,000 st (down 26,000 st)
  • West – 74,000 st (up 13,000 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 graphic included in this report shows unadjusted weekly data. The monthly AISI “AIS 7” report is available by subscription and provides a more detailed summary of domestic steel production.

Brett Linton

Brett Linton is a senior analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-314-0179.

Read more from Brett Linton

Latest in Steel Mills