Weekly Output Fluctuations in Steel: A Subtle Downshift
During the week ending April 12, 2025, domestic raw steel production in the United States clocked in at 1,689,000 net tons, reflecting a slight decrease in comparison to the 1,695,000 net tons recorded during the same period in 2024. The capability utilization rate also dipped from 76.3% last year to 75.2% in the current reporting week.
Despite the year-over-year reduction, the numbers indicate a resurgence from the prior week. Production saw a 2.0% increase over the week ending April 5, 2025, when the figure was 1,656,000 net tons, and utilization hovered at 74.4%.
Year-to-Date Numbers Signal Subdued Momentum
As of April 12, 2025, the adjusted year-to-date steel production in the U.S. stood at 24,213,000 net tons, with an average capability utilization rate of 74.6%. This demonstrates a 1.3% decline compared to the 24,534,000 net tons recorded in the same timeframe in 2024, when utilization averaged a stronger 75.9%.
This subtle deceleration underscores an industry grappling with evolving demand, inventory cycles, and energy cost variability, yet showing signs of week-on-week resilience.
Regional Breakdown Highlights Geographic Steel Dynamics
The distribution of weekly raw steel output across the United States’ five main steel-producing districts offers a clearer picture of regional performance dynamics. For the week ending April 12, 2025, the district-wise breakdown (in thousands of net tons) is as follows:
• North East: 127
• Great Lakes: 549
• Midwest: 248
• Southern: 697
• Western: 68
The Southern region remains the strongest performer, contributing over 41% of national weekly output, followed by the Great Lakes region, a traditional steel stronghold. The Western district continues to report the lowest output, likely due to fewer integrated steel mills and more reliance on imports and recycling hubs.
Key Takeaways:
• Weekly steel production (April 12, 2025): 1,689,000 net tons
• Capability utilization rate: 75.2%
• Year-over-year weekly drop: 0.4% compared to 1,695,000 net tons in 2024
• Week-over-week increase: 2.0% compared to 1,656,000 net tons on April 5, 2025
• Year-to-date (YTD) production (as of April 12, 2025): 24,213,000 net tons
• YTD capability utilization: 74.6%
• YTD comparison with 2024: Down 1.3% from 24,534,000 net tons
• Regional weekly output (in 000s of net tons):
o North East: 127
o Great Lakes: 549
o Midwest: 248
o Southern: 697
o Western: 68
