November 19, 2012

Apparent steel use in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 49.5Mt during January-September 2012, 5% more than in the same period of 2011.

 Production of finished steel at 42.7Mt increased 2.1% compared to same period of 2011. Growth of regional consumption was mainly driven by Chile (+17%), Mexico (+15%) and Peru (+13%).

In September 2012, the region′s finished steel use was 5.3Mt, 3% less than in same period of 2011.

The trade deficit of finished steel products rose to -9.1Mt during January-September 2012, while the imbalance in the same period of 2011 had been -6.4Mt.

Between January and September 2012, all Latin American and Caribbean countries – except Argentina and Dominican Republic -showed a deficit in finished steel trade. Mexico presented the largest deficit of -3.3Mt, followed by Colombia (-1.3Mt ) and Peru (-1.2Mt ).

Production of finished steel reached 47.5Mt during January-October 2012. Brazil represented 47% (22.1Mt ) of output. Mexico was the second largest producer at 13.5Mt (28%). In October 2012, finished steel production reached 4.9Mt in Latin America, 3% more than same month of 2011. Brazil and Mexico stimulated this growth with 2.2Mt and 1.4Mt respectively. Finished steel production in October increased 3% compared to September 2012.

Source: Alacero