Article:
In the week ending on March 8, 2025, U.S. raw steel production totaled 1,671,000 net tons, representing a 1.5% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when production stood at 1,696,000 net tons. This slight drop is coupled with a decrease in the capability utilization rate, which came in at 75.0% for the week. For the corresponding week in 2024, the utilization rate was higher at 76.4%, highlighting a modest but noticeable decline in the efficiency of steel production.
This week’s production reflects the ongoing fluctuations within the steel industry, as production is slightly higher than the previous week (ending March 1, 2025), when output was 1,641,000 net tons and the capability utilization rate was 73.7%. A 1.8% increase in production from the prior week shows that, while the annual comparison reflects a decline, there is some progress in the short term.
Year-to-Date Trends
For the year-to-date production, the figures show a decrease compared to the same period last year. Through March 8, 2025, the total production was 15,850,000 net tons, with a capability utilization rate of 74.4%. This marks a 1.3% decline compared to the 16,055,000 net tons produced during the same period in 2024. In 2024, the capability utilization rate was 75.8%, suggesting a slight drop in both total production and the efficiency with which available capacity is being used.
Regional Breakdown
Looking at the production figures across different regions of the U.S., the following data is provided for the week ending on March 8, 2025, in thousands of net tons:
• North East: 128,000 net tons
• Great Lakes: 472,000 net tons
• Midwest: 237,000 net tons
• Southern: 762,000 net tons
• Western: 72,000 net tons
The Southern district continues to lead the production numbers, contributing the largest share of steel with 762,000 net tons. The Great Lakes district follows with 472,000 net tons, while the Midwest and North East contribute significantly smaller amounts, at 237,000 net tons and 128,000 net tons, respectively. The Western district remains the smallest contributor, with 72,000 net tons of production
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Weekly Production: U.S. steel production for the week ending March 8, 2025, was 1,671,000 net tons, marking a 1.5% decrease from the same week in 2024.
• Weekly Increase: Production increased by 1.8% from the previous week (March 1, 2025), when production was 1,641,000 net tons.
• Capability Utilization: The capability utilization rate for the week ending March 8, 2025, was 75.0%, slightly down from 76.4% in the same week of 2024.
• Year-to-Date Decline: Year-to-date production through March 8, 2025, was 15,850,000 net tons, a 1.3% decline from the same period in 2024.
• Regional Breakdown:
o Southern district led with 762,000 net tons of production.
o Great Lakes district followed with 472,000 net tons.
o Smaller contributions came from the Midwest, North East, and Western districts, with 237,000 net tons, 128,000 net tons, and 72,000 net tons, respectively.
