Crude steel production in the US grew 0.3pc last week compared to the same week in 2019, according to the latest American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) data.
US crude steel production increased to 1.923mn nt(1.745mn mt) with a capacity utilization rate of 82.5pc for the week ending February 29, up 1.2pc from the previous week when capacity utilization was lower at 81.5pc.
Adjusted year-to-date production increased by 0.8pc to 16.350mn nt, at a utilization rate of 81.8pc from 16.228mn nt during the same period last year, when the utilization rate was lower at 81.3pc.
Compared to a week ago, district production was up by 1pc for the Northeast and Midwest, with no change in the Great Lakes region and a 4pc increase in the smaller contributing West Coast. Compared to a year ago, Great Lakes production declined by 5pc to 691,000nt, while Midwest trended flat at 205,000nt. Output in the South increased by 5pc to 723,000nt, compared to last year, and West decreased by 8pc to 72,000nt. The Great Lakes and South comprised 74pc of total US crude steel production with the Northeast contributing 12pc and Midwest a steadfast 11pc.
The year-to-date data for capacity is running close to a year ago higher by 0.14pc higher at 19.988nt. Capability utlization for Q1 2020 is approximately 30.3mn nt compared to 29.9mn nt in Q1 2019.
The figures are compiled from weekly production tonnage provided from 50pc of the domestic producers combined with monthly production data for the remainder according to AISI.