The Iron and Steel Industry

Archive Report

Basic Steel production during the first quarter of 1930 fell 12 per cent below that of the first quarter of 1929. During January-February-March of this year American steel mills operated at about 80 per cent of their capacity, which a few years ago would have been considered a highly satisfactory record. During the corresponding period of 1929, however, the mills operated at more than 90 per cent of capacity.

1929Steel ingot production (gross tons)Per cent of capacity in operation1930Steel ingot production (gross tons)Per cent of capacity in operation
January4,490,34384.80January3,786,45071.51
February4,326,01191.91February4,067,97186.43
March5,058,25899.20March4,288,98584.42
13,874,61291.8812,143,40680.42

In 1929 the American steel industry had the largest output in its history and earned the largest profits of any peace-time year. In the six months from April to September, 1929, operations averaged 95.98 per cent of capacity. ...

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