U.S. crude steel production recorded an increase on an annual basis in the week ending January 3

According to data from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), US crude steel production reached 1,704,000 net tons in the week ending January 3, 2026. This level represents a 1.4% increase compared to the 1,680,000 net tons recorded in the same week last year. The capacity utilization rate was measured at 74.4% during the same period, compared to 75.6% recorded during the same week last year.

Production showed a slight increase compared to the previous week ending December 27, 2025. Crude steel production, which was 1,695,000 net tons in the previous week, rose by 0.5% to 1,704,000 net tons in the week ending January 3. The capacity utilization rate also rose from 74.0% in the previous period to 74.4%.

As of January 3, 2026, adjusted production since the beginning of the year totaled 1,704,000 net tons. This amount represents a 1.4% increase compared to the 1,680,000 net tons produced during the same period last year. The capacity utilization rate was 75.6% during the same period last year and was recorded as 74.4% this year.

According to AISI data, regional crude steel production in the US for the week ending January 3, 2026, was 121,000 net tons in the Northeast, 494,000 net tons in the Great Lakes region, 264,000 net tons in the Midwest, 759,000 net tons in the South, and 66,000 net tons in the West. Thus, total production amounted to 1,704,000 net tons.