U.S. Raw Steel Output Surges 19% as Capacity Hits 88.9%
Steel News | 2026-11-03 06:31:03
U.S. steel mills produced approximately 2.053 million net tons of raw steel during the reporting week.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. steelmakers reported significant jump in production during the week ending October 31, 2026, with domestic raw steel output climbing 19.2% year-on-year, according to the latest industry figures. Higher weekly production also pushed capacity utilization close to the 90% mark.
U.S. steel mills produced approximately 2.053 million net tons of raw steel during the reporting week. This compares with 1.722 million net tons in the corresponding week of 2025. The capacity utilization rate reached 88.9%, considerably above the 75.1% recorded a year earlier.
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The latest figures also indicate a substantial increase in production week-on-week. Output increased 15.7% from the 1.774 million net tons produced during the week ending October 24, 2026. Capacity utilization similarly advanced from 76.8% to 88.9%.
Adjusted year-to-date raw steel output through October 31 stood at 79.758 million net tons, representing a 6% increase over the 75.248 million net tons recorded during the comparable period last year. The year-to-date capacity utilization reported moderate improvement, rising from 77% in 2025 to 79.5%.
The Southern district dominating national production, accounting for 1.001 million net tons. The Great Lakes followed with 518,000 net tons, while the Midwest contributed 328,000 net tons. The Northeast and Western districts produced 141,000 and 65,000 net tons, respectively.
POLL
What is the key factor likely to influence U.S. raw steel production in the coming weeks?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the total U.S. raw steel production during the week ending October 31, 2026?
U.S. steelmakers produced approximately 2.053 million net tons of raw steel during the reporting week. This was 331,000 net tons higher than the 1.722 million net tons produced during the same week in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 19.2%.
- How much did weekly raw steel production increase compared with the previous week?
Weekly raw steel output increased 15.7% from 1.774 million net tons recorded during the week ending October 24, 2026. Capacity utilization also advanced from 76.8% to 88.9%, indicating a substantial increase in mill operating activity.
- Which U.S. steelmaking district recorded the highest production during the reporting week?
The Southern district was the leading raw steel-producing region, with output totaling 1.001 million net tons. The Great Lakes district ranked second at 518,000 net tons, while the Midwest, Northeast and Western districts recorded 328,000, 141,000 and 65,000 net tons, respectively.
