Features
AISI: Raw steel production jumps to 6-month high
Written by Brett Linton
April 1, 2025
Raw steel mill output from US mills rebounded last week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production is now at the highest weekly rate recorded so far this year.
For the week ending March 29, domestic steel output was estimated at 1,697,000 short tons (st), an increase of 43,000 st, or 2.6%, from the prior week (Figure 1). The last time we saw mill output this high was in September 2024.
Last week’s production was 2.3% greater than the year-to-date weekly average of 1,659,000 st per week. Compared to this time last year, production this week is slightly up by 0.1%.
The mill capability utilization rate rose to 76.2% last week, up from 74.3% the previous week. However, it remains slightly below the 76.4% rate recorded this time last year.
Year-to-date mill output totals 20,868,000 st at a capability utilization rate of 74.5%. This is 1.3% lower than the same period in 2024 when 21,143,000 st was produced at a 75.8% utilization rate.
Weekly regional production data and week-over-week (w/w) changes are as follows:
- Northeast – 126,000 st (up 3,000 st w/w)
- Great Lakes – 508,000 st (up 20,000 st)
- Midwest – 231,000 st (up 7,000 st)
- South – 759,000 st (up 14,000 st)
- West – 73,000 st (down 1,000 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
Read more from Brett LintonLatest in Features
Fed indicators signal healthy manufacturing sector
Recent Federal Reserve data paints a positive picture of the US manufacturing sector. Manufacturing indicators remained strong through February and March figures
Steel market chatter this week
Earlier this week, SMU polled steel buyers on an array of topics, ranging from market prices, demand, and inventories to tariffs, imports, and evolving market events.
Final Thoughts
I put some of our survey data through ChatGpt, with interesting results.
Final Thoughts
Nearly 50% of respondents to our latest survey thought hot-rolled coil prices have already peaked. And where will those prices be two months from now? Responses were decidedly split on that question.
April energy market update
In this Premium analysis we examine North American oil and natural gas prices, drill rig activity, and crude oil stocks. Trends in energy prices and rig counts serve as leading indicators for oil country tubular goods (OCTG) and line pipe demand.