Ask anyone building a bridge, making cars, or setting up a new factory: steel is the backbone of modern America. So, who’s the number one steel supplier in the US? Nope, it’s not some mystery player—it’s Cleveland-Cliffs. This company makes more steel than anyone else in the country right now. If you’re working in construction or manufacturing, you’ve probably used their products without even realizing it.

Cleveland-Cliffs didn’t always sit at the top. They got there by swallowing up rivals like ArcelorMittal USA and AK Steel in just the last few years. Their story isn’t just about producing more steel—it’s about playing it smart in a business that can get pretty rough. Want to source high-quality steel? Knowing who the big dog is can help you get better pricing and spot new supply chain risks before they hit your project’s budget.

• The Top Steel Supplier: Straight Facts
• How They Got to the Top
• Key Manufacturing Sites and Capabilities
• Tips for Sourcing Steel in the US

The Top Steel Supplier: Straight Facts

If you’re searching for the steel supplier that really leads the pack in the US, Cleveland-Cliffs is the name you need to know. They churned out a massive 16.2 million tons of steel in 2024, which means they supplied nearly a third of all flat-rolled steel made in America, way ahead of anyone else in the business.

Let’s break the numbers down into something real. Here’s how Cleveland-Cliffs stacks up against other big players:

Company	2024 US Steel Output (million tons)	Main Products
Cleveland-Cliffs	16.2	Flat-rolled, plate, automotive steel
Nucor	14.2	Sheet, bar, rebar, plate
U.S. Steel	11.3	Flat-rolled, tubular
Steel Dynamics	10.6	Sheet, structural, bars

It’s not all about producing tons of metal, though. Cleveland-Cliffs also controls key iron ore mines in the Midwest. That means when prices go up or things get tough, they don’t have to rely on someone else for raw materials, and that’s a real edge compared to other companies who buy their ore from somewhere else.

What makes this even more interesting? Cliffs now supplies over half the steel used in US-made cars and trucks. So the next time you see a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or even a Tesla rolling by, there’s a solid chance it’s riding on Cleveland-Cliffs steel. If you run a business that needs flat-rolled or plate steel, these guys are nearly impossible to ignore.

How They Got to the Top

Cleveland-Cliffs didn’t just wake up one morning and become the biggest steel supplier in the US. It took a series of bold moves that changed the game. The real turning point came in 2020. That’s when they acquired AK Steel, giving them a direct line into the automotive steel market. Not long after, they bought out the entire US operations of ArcelorMittal. This made them the only American company running both blast furnaces and electric arc furnaces at a national scale.

Why does this matter? Blast furnaces are great for pumping out huge amounts of raw steel, while electric arc furnaces are super efficient at recycling scrap metal. Having both means Cleveland-Cliffs can handle pretty much any order and deliver fast, even if raw material costs or import tariffs start rocking the market.

The steel industry in the US is no picnic. It’s been hit by global price drops, foreign imports, and even government tariffs. Cleveland-Cliffs played it smart by snagging up valuable plants while competitors pulled back. Here’s what gave them the edge:

• Major acquisitions: AK Steel and ArcelorMittal USA joined the Cleveland-Cliffs family, giving them control of critical infrastructure.
• Vertical integration: They own the entire supply chain—from mining iron ore to finishing steel sheets. This keeps costs lower and quality high.
• Diversified customer base: They serve big carmakers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis, plus construction and machinery companies.
• Adapting to change: Investing in electric arc furnaces shows they’re thinking about sustainability and scrap metal’s growing importance.

Thanks to these moves, Cleveland-Cliffs quickly became the top steel supplier most US manufacturers turn to. If stability and reliable supply matter for your business, their track record is proof you’re dealing with a real heavyweight.

Key Manufacturing Sites and Capabilities

Cleveland-Cliffs has plants all over the Midwest and a few in the East. The main ones are located in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, which makes sense since that’s where America’s steel roots run deep. Each site handles a unique part of the process—from melting iron ore to rolling out finished steel sheets.

Let’s break down a few of their biggest operations:

• Indiana Harbor, Indiana: The giant of their lineup, and the largest integrated steelmaking facility in North America. It can crank out over 9 million tons of steel every year.
• Cleveland, Ohio: Known for its hot-rolled coil production, this mill serves tons of auto and appliance makers in the US.
• Dearborn, Michigan: This one specializes in advanced high-strength steel—think safer and lighter cars, which big automakers love.
• Middletown, Ohio: This place is all about sheet steel, which ends up in everything from soup cans to shipping containers.

Want the hard numbers? Here’s a quick look at some plant details:

Plant	Location	Annual Steel Output	Main Products
Indiana Harbor	East Chicago, Indiana	9+ million tons	Flat-rolled steel, slabs, strip
Cleveland Works	Cleveland, Ohio	3.8 million tons	Hot-rolled coil, steel plate
Dearborn Works	Dearborn, Michigan	3 million tons	High-strength steel, automotive steel
Middletown Works	Middletown, Ohio	2.8 million tons	Sheet steel

What really sets Cleveland-Cliffs apart is how much of the process they control. They run everything from mining their own iron ore in Minnesota and Michigan, to making the steel and shipping finished coils direct to buyers. This streamlining keeps their prices steady—super helpful when global steel prices do their usual rollercoaster act.

"Vertical integration gives us stability and flexibility that few other steel producers can match," said Lourenco Goncalves, CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, in a 2024 company briefing.

If you care about eco-friendly choices, Cleveland-Cliffs is also betting big on electric arc furnaces. This type of tech uses less energy and can run on scrap metal, cutting down on both emissions and waste. That’s a win for customers who care about sustainability, and it helps the company meet new environmental standards too.

If you’re looking to lock in a steady supply from the steel supplier that leads the country, knowing where and how they make the stuff gives you a real edge.

Tips for Sourcing Steel in the US

If you’re hunting for a reliable steel supplier, you’re not just comparing prices—you’re buying peace of mind and steady workflow. The American steel market can be a maze, especially if you’re not in it every day. Here’s how to keep your sourcing sharp and steer clear of rookie mistakes.

• Start local when possible. Cleveland-Cliffs has mills from the Midwest to the East Coast, like hot spots in Ohio and Indiana. Saving on shipping isn't just about cost—it protects your project’s timeline and lowers the risk of hiccups due to long hauls or customs snags.
• Check certifications. Look for suppliers who follow strict standards, like those in the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) or ISO certifications. These aren’t just for show—they mean the plant is regularly checked for quality and safety.
• Don’t ignore contract details. Make sure you’re clear on minimum order sizes, delivery schedules, and what happens if a shipment slips. Some suppliers offer just-in-time delivery, letting you get steel only when you need it—but you want these terms spelled out up front.
• Ask about their recycled content. Many US steel plants now lean on electric arc furnaces using scrap, which helps the environment and can sometimes mean faster, more flexible orders.
• Check recent supply trends. Price spikes and global shortages hit the market in 2021 and 2022, so ask suppliers about their backup plans if things go sideways. Large players like Cleveland-Cliffs usually weather storms better, but don’t assume—they all felt the pinch during COVID-19.

One last thing: Build relationships. Sales reps from top US steel companies can be surprisingly candid about what’s happening in the supply chain. If demand spikes or a mill shuts down for maintenance, you’ll want the heads up before everyone else scrambles for the same batch of steel.