U.S. Raw Steel Output Up 4.3% in Early July
Steel News | 2026-07-07 14:35:10
Among the major producing regions, the Southern district remained the largest contributor with 832,000 net tons.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. raw steel production continued its upward trend during the week ending July 4, 2026. This was mainly driven by steady manufacturing activity and improved mill performance across the country.
According to the latest industry data, raw steel production by domestic steelmakers totaled 1.856 million net tons during the week. Steel mills operated at a capability utilization rate of 80.4%, slightly higher than the previous week's utilization rate of 79.8%.
Compared with the corresponding week in 2025, production increased by 4.3%. The output stood at 1.780 million net tons during the year-ago week. The production also rose by 0.8% from the 1.842 million net tons recorded during the week ending June 27, 2026.
Through July 4, total adjusted raw steel production reached 48.112 million net tons, representing a 6% increase over the 45.400 million net tons produced during the same period in 2025. Average mill utilization for the year improved to 78.8%, up from 76.8% a year earlier.
Among the major producing regions, the Southern district remained the largest contributor with 832,000 net tons. The Great Lakes region followed with 503,000 net tons, while the Midwest produced 321,000 net tons. Output from the North East totaled 134,000 net tons, and the Western region contributed 66,000 net tons.
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What was the year-over-year increase in U.S. raw steel production for the week ending July 4, 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much raw steel did the U.S. produce during the week ending July 4, 2026?
U.S. steelmakers produced 1.856 million net tons of raw steel.
- How did production compare with the same week last year?
Production increased 4.3% from 1.780 million net tons in the corresponding week of 2025.
- What was the mill capability utilization rate?
Steel mills operated at a capability utilization rate of 80.4%, up from 79.8% in the previous week.
