U.S. Raw Steel Output Climbs 7% YoY Amid Higher Mill Utilization
Steel News | 2026-09-15 05:40:44
The Southern district remained the largest contributor, producing 876,000 net tons.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steelmakers recorded increased production during the week ended September 12, 2026. According to industry data, weekly raw steel output reached 1.90 million net tons during the week, which is a notable improvement from the 1.775 million net tons produced during the comparable week in 2025.
Steel mills operated at a capability utilization rate of 82.3% during the latest week, compared with 78.4% a year earlier. On a year-over-year basis, weekly production increased by 7.0%.
The latest figures also point to a rise in production compared with the preceding week. Output rose 5.1% from the 1.808 million net tons produced during the week ended September 5, 2026. Mill utilization improved from 78.3% to 82.3% over the same period.
Meanwhile, adjusted output for the year through September 12 totaled 66.537 million net tons, representing a 5.5% increase from the 63.093 million net tons recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. Year-to-date capability utilization stood at 79.1%, upon comparison with 77.2% a year earlier.
The Southern district remained the largest contributor, producing 876,000 net tons. The Great Lakes followed with 538,000 tons, while the Midwest produced 296,000 tons. The Northeast and Western districts accounted for 126,000 and 64,000 tons of production, respectively.
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What was the key development in U.S. steel production during the week ended September 12, 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much raw steel did U.S. mills produce during the latest week?
U.S. steelmakers produced 1.90 million net tons of raw steel during the week ended September 12, 2026. This represented a 7.0% increase from 1.775 million net tons produced during the comparable week in 2025.
- How did U.S. steel mill utilization change?
Capability utilization rose to 82.3% during the latest week, compared with 78.4% a year earlier. It also improved from 78.3% during the preceding week, indicating stronger operating activity at U.S. steel mills.
- What was U.S. steel production year to date?
Adjusted U.S. raw steel production reached 66.537 million net tons through September 12, 2026. This was 5.5% higher than the 63.093 million tons recorded during the corresponding period in 2025, while year-to-date capability utilization increased to 79.1%.
