U.S. Raw Steel Output Rises 9.6% YoY in Early May 2026 as Utilization Rate Climbs to 80.4%

Regional output showed strong performance across major districts.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Domestic raw steel production in the United States rose during the week ending May 2, 2026, reaching 1,856,000 net tons, according to industry data. The capability utilization rate stood at 80.4 percent, compared with 75.4 percent a year earlier when output was 1,694,000 net tons. This reflects a 9.6 percent year-on-year increase in production.

Compared with the previous week ending April 25, 2026, output increased 1.4 percent from 1,830,000 net tons, while utilization improved to 79.3 percent.

Year-to-date production through May 2, 2026, reached 31,405,000 net tons at a 77.9 percent utilization rate, up 6.2 percent from 29,582,000 net tons in the same period last year.

Regional output showed strong performance across major districts.

North East produced 134 thousand net tons, Great Lakes 511, Midwest 311, Southern 838, and Western 62, bringing total weekly production to 1,856 thousand net tons.

Industry analysts note steady gains in steel output, supported by higher capacity use and resilient demand across construction and manufacturing sectors. The latest figures highlight continued recovery momentum in U.S. steel production trends for 2026.

Market outlook remains cautiously optimistic amid stable pricing and improving industrial activity nationwide in the 2026 outlook period overall conditions.

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