U.S. Raw Steel Output Rises 3.1% in Late August
Steel News | 2026-09-01 07:31:24
The Southern district remained the country's largest producing region, accounting for 839,000 net tons during the week.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steelmakers increased raw steel production during the final week of August. The output increased when compared with the level recorded during the same week last year, according to weekly production statistics reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Domestic mills produced an estimated 1.818 million net tons of raw steel in the week ended August 29, 2026. This was 3.1% higher than the 1.764 million net tons produced during the corresponding week of 2025. Mill operating rates also edged higher year over year. Capacity utilization reached 78.7%, compared with 78.2% a year earlier.
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However, production slowed from the previous week, when U.S. mills produced 1.848 million net tons at an 80.0% utilization rate. The weekly output recorded a decline of 1.6% from the prior week.
Despite the latest weekly dip, U.S. steel production has maintained a strong year-to-date pace. Adjusted output through August 29 totaled 62.829 million net tons, representing a 5.5% increase from 59.540 million net tons during the same period in 2025. The year-to-date capacity utilization rate stood at 79.0%, up from 77.0% last year.
The Southern district remained the country's largest producing region, accounting for 839,000 net tons during the week. The Great Lakes followed with 476,000 tons, while the Midwest produced 300,000 tons. The Northeast and Western districts contributed 135,000 and 67,000 tons, respectively.
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What is the most notable trend in U.S. steel production in 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much raw steel did U.S. mills produce in the week ended August 29, 2026?
U.S. steelmakers produced an estimated 1.818 million net tons of raw steel during the week. This represented a 3.1% increase from the 1.764 million net tons produced during the same week in 2025.
- How did U.S. steel production compare with the previous week?
Weekly production declined 1.6% from the previous week, when mills produced 1.848 million net tons. Capacity utilization also fell from 80.0% to 78.7%.
- How has U.S. steel production performed so far in 2026?
Adjusted production through August 29 reached 62.829 million net tons, up 5.5% from 59.540 million net tons during the comparable period in 2025. Year-to-date capacity utilization improved to 79.0%, versus 77.0% last year.
