Features

AISI: Raw steel output edges higher, nears six-month high

Written by Brett Linton

April 14, 2025

Raw steel mill output increased last week, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Production is now at the second-highest weekly total recorded so far this year, nearing one of the strongest levels logged over the past six months.

Through the week ending April 12, domestic steel mill production was estimated at 1,689,000 short tons (st) (Figure 1). Production increased by 33,000 tons, or 2.0%, compared to the previous week.

Last week’s production was 1.7% above the year-to-date weekly average of 1,661,000 st per week, but 0.4% lower than levels seen one year ago.

The mill capability utilization rate last week was 75.2%, up week over week (w/w) from 74.4%, but down from 76.3% this time last year. Since the start of 2025, the capability utilization rate has averaged 74.6%.

Year-to-date production now stands at 24,213,000 st with a capability utilization rate of 74.6%. This is 1.3% below the same period last year, when 24,534,000 st had been produced at a rate of 75.9%.

Raw production increased this week in all five regions, as reported by AISI:

  • Northeast – 127,000 st (up 10,000 st w/w)
  • Great Lakes – 549,000 st (up 15,000 st)
  • Midwest – 248,000 st (up 3,000 st)
  • South – 697,000 st (up 3,000 st)
  • West – 68,000 st (up 2,000 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.

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