21 April 2026 – US crude steel production reached approximately 80% capacity utilisation last week. Supply shortages are supporting aluminium and copper prices.
Steel production: US capacity utilisation rises to nearly 80%
Theoretical capacity utilisation in crude steel production in the United States rose to 79.8% last week, equating to just under 95% of technically and economically available capacity. Overall, real capacity utilisation at US steel plants already stands at above 90% for 2026.
Theoretical vs. real crude steel capacity
Western nations and the OECD in particular have, over recent decades, measured capacity utilisation in crude steel production against the nameplate capacities of technical installations – a practice that serves the narrative of alleged overcapacity in steel production. These theoretical figures, however, fail to account for key technical and economic realities.
Supply shortages support aluminium and copper prices
According to a recent analysis by Deutsche Bank, aluminium prices are expected to continue drawing support from significantly tightened supply following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the year, the metal has risen in price by around 19 percent. Other industrial metals have also recovered recently, following the declines seen in March when global economic prospects darkened due to the conflict in the Middle East.
China will cease all sulphuric acid exports from May onwards
For copper and zinc, a further factor comes into play: China will cease all sulphuric acid exports from May onwards. Sulphuric acid is indispensable for many copper producers; without it, approximately one fifth of global copper supply could not be produced. This will hit producers in Chile and the Democratic Republic of Congo particularly hard, as their processes cannot be switched in the short term.
Latest news
- EU Steel Producer: Heavy Fine Imposed for Emissions Violations
- The Aluminium Paradox: Scrap Must Stay, Products May Leave
- Commodity Markets: Nickel and Copper Post Strong Gains
We at the Gerber Group have been trading in stainless steel worldwide for over 20 years. We are your experts when it comes to purchasing, import, logistics and services. Information is a vital part of this. Because only then can you and we make the right decisions. Do you have any questions? Contact us now.
Disclaimer: Many things here represent our opinion. Others are information from the Internet. We can therefore never claim to be correct or complete. And never base a business decision solely on the news you receive from us.
