U.S. Raw Steel Production Rises; Mill Utilization Stays Above 78%

The figures indicate stable operating conditions across U.S. steel mills, with utilization rates holding above 78% for consecutive weeks.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Domestic raw steel production in the United States recorded solid year-on-year growth during the week ending February 28, 2026, according to data released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

Weekly Production Highlights:

·         Total output reached 1,811,000 net tons

·         Capability utilization rate stood at 78.3%

·         Up 6.2% from 1,705,000 net tons in the same week of 2025

·         Slight 0.3% decline from the prior week (1,817,000 net tons)

·         Previous week’s utilization rate was 78.5%

The figures indicate stable operating conditions across U.S. steel mills, with utilization rates holding above 78% for consecutive weeks.

Year-to-Date (YTD) Performance Through February 28, 2026:

·         Total production: 15,048,000 net tons

·         Capability utilization rate: 77.2%

·         Up 5.0% compared with 14,332,000 net tons in the same 2025 period

·         2025 YTD utilization rate: 76.4%

Production by District (in thousand net tons):

End 2025 North East: 131

·         Great Lakes: 515

·         Midwest: 290

·         Southern: 811

·         Western: 64

The Southern district led weekly output, reinforcing its dominant role in U.S. steel production.

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