American Iron & Steel Industries reported that, in the week ending April 4th 2009, raw steel production in US decreased by 41,000 tons or by 4.1% WoW. Last week's production was 965,000 tons as compared with about 1 million tons the previous week.

Last week's total was less than half the volume of approximately 2.15 million tons produced in the same week a year ago when steel mills were running near full capacity. US mills operated at an estimated 40.4% of capacity last week, versus an estimated 90% a year ago.

The US steel industry has been following a roller coaster cycle since the beginning of 2009, increasing production in some weeks and then falling back in other weeks. So far this year, week to week production increased five times and declined in the other eight weeks.

Total production in the first 13 weeks of 2009 was 13.66 million tons, down by 52.9% YoY from 28.99 million tons produced during the same period a year ago.

District wise production for the week ending April 4th 2009

1. US South: 296
2. Indiana/Chicago: 294
3. Midwest: 98
4. Northeast: 101
5. Pittsburgh/Youngstown: 85
6. Lake Erie: 12
7. Detroit: 42
8. West: 37

(In thousands of net tons)

AISI's estimate is based on reports from companies representing about 75% of the US's raw steel capability and includes revisions for previous months.

(Sourced from AISI)