According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), US raw steel production climbed 1.3pc to 1.844mn nt (1.673mn mt) and achieved a higher capacity utilization of 79.7pc in the week-ending Dec 14 compared to a week ago.
Compared to a year ago, production declined 0.9pc, with the largest loss in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes, which comprises 37pc of total US raw steel production, decreased 6pc compared to the same period one year ago, reaching 681,000nt (617,060mt). The southern region, comprising 36pc of production, remained within range at 669,000nt (607,078mt)
The adjusted year-to-date capacity utilization remained unchanged compared to last week, at 80.1pc with a total volume of 92.584mn nt (84.015mn mt). However, it is up 1.8pc compared to the same period a year ago.
Compared to a year ago, the total capacity declined approximately 675,000nt nationally, as mills perform extended maintenance, or furnaces are temporarily idled awaiting better market conditions.