en.Wedoany.com Reported - The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) latest data shows that for the week ending July 4, 2026, U.S. domestic raw steel production is estimated at 1.856 million net tons (approximately 1.684 million metric tons), with a capacity utilization rate of 80.4%. Compared to the same period last year, production for the week increased by 4.3% from 1.78 million net tons (capacity utilization 78.9%) in the same week of 2025; it rose 0.8% from the previous week (1.842 million net tons, capacity utilization 79.8%).
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), founded in 1855 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the most influential industry organization in the U.S. steel sector, with member companies covering major American steel producers. Its weekly raw steel production data serves as a key reference indicator for the global steel market.
On a year-to-date basis, from the beginning of 2026 through July 4, total U.S. raw steel production reached 48.112 million net tons, with a capacity utilization rate of 78.8%, up 6.0% from 45.4 million net tons (capacity utilization 76.8%) in the same period of 2025. By region, the Great Lakes area remained the largest steel-producing region in the U.S., with weekly production of 677,000 net tons; the Southern region followed closely with 651,000 net tons.
The U.S. steel industry has maintained a steady growth trend since 2025. Benefiting from the continued implementation of the U.S. infrastructure investment bill and policy support for manufacturing reshoring, domestic steel demand remains strong. In the first half of 2026, U.S. steel imports fell by approximately 12% year-over-year, with the import substitution effect further supporting the production enthusiasm of domestic mills. However, some industry analysts point out that as steel capacity in Europe and Asia gradually recovers, the global steel trade landscape is changing, putting certain pressure on U.S. steel exports.
Capacity utilization is an important indicator for measuring the health of the steel industry. A rate above 80% is generally considered a sign of good industry performance. The latest data indicates that the U.S. steel industry remains in a relatively high prosperity range. However, due to global economic uncertainties and changes in trade policies, the industry's trajectory in the second half of the year requires close monitoring.
