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Latin American output stable in H1 2013

sourcesteeltimesint.com

publisherDiego

time2013/08/26

Latin American apparent use of finished steel reached 33.1Mt in the first half 2013, in line with the same period 2012. Production of finished steel fell 1% to 27.7Mt compared to the same period 2012.

Alacero – the Latin American Steel Association, reports that in July 2013, finished steel production in the regional was 4.6Mt, 4% down on July 2012. The largest falls in output were in Argentina (-30%), Colombia (-21%), and Mexico (-7%).

 

During the first seven months of 2013, the region produced 32.4Mt of finished steel, 1% less than  same period of 2012. the largest producer was Brazil at 15.3Mt which had a 47% share of regional  output. Mexico follows with 8.9Mt and 27% share. Colombia and Chile showed drops in production of 30% and 19% respectively, comparing to the same period 2012.

 

Crude steel production in the first seven-months 2013 was 37.6Mt 3% less than the same period 2012. Brazil accounted for 19.9Mt, making it the largest producer but this figure was a decreased 2% compared  to January-July 2012.

 

In July 2013, crude  steel production in the region reached 5.5Mt, in line with July 2012.

 

Trade Balance

During January-June 2013, finished steel regional trade showed a 5.6Mt deficit, slightly less than the 5.9Mt in the same period 2012.

 

In the first half 2013 the only countries not to show a net trade deficit were Argentina, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. All others registered a negative steel trade balance. The largest deficit was in Mexico (-1.5Mt). Other countries with significant deficits were Colombia (-875kt), Peru (-750kt)  and Chile (-740kt).

Latin American crude steel production first 7-months 2013

Country

7-months Mt

% Change 2013/2012

Brazil

19.924

-2.1

Mexico

10.219

-1.5

Argentina

2.864

-6.9

Venezuela

1.568

+7.9

Chile

0.743

-25.6

Colombia

0.633

-21.8

Peru

0.628

+15.3

Trinidad & Tobago

0.350

-5.4

Ecuador

0.306

+18.9

Guatemala

0.198

+7.0

Cuba

0.163

-9.3

El Salvador

0.062

+18.1

Uruguay

0.045

0.0

Paraguay

0.008

-64.2

Total

37.712

-3.0