According to the association, raw steel production notched up 8% from April to May.

“We are entering a transition stage. The short-term trend is not yet clear, as we see some positive signs, while negative ones remain,” the association said. 

Meanwhile, the association said it is closely monitoring steel imports, which rose in the first quarter and came to account for 41% as a share of consumption in April. 

“We must warn that now, more than ever, it is necessary to avoid unfair imports, such as those coming from China, and to encourage domestic consumption,” said Alacero director general Francisco Leal. 

“It is a time for governments and industry to strive to create conditions that will allow us to come out stronger after this slump, in terms of developing infrastructure and value chains and strengthening the industrial fabric, which generates employment,” he said.