Apparent Steel Use in Latin America in 2013 In Line with 2012
02/25/2014 - In 2013, apparent steel use in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 66.5 million tons, in line with 2012, according to Alacero, the Latin American steel association.
During 2013, Brazil was the main finished steel consumer of the region with 26.4 million tons, 40% of the regional consumption. In 2013, Brazilian steel consumption grew 5% vs 2012. On the other hand, Mexico — the second largest finished steel consumer- showed a drop of 9% y-o-y, reaching 18.6 million tons in 2013.
Production 2014
In January 2014, Latin America reached a monthly finished steel production of 4.5 million tons, similar to January 2013.
During this month, Brazil was the main producer of finished steel with 2 million tons, representing 47% of Latin American output. It was followed by Mexico with 1.3 million tons (30% share of regional output).
Countries increasing finished steel production in January 2014 compared to January 2013 were: Colombia (+18%), Ecuador (+11%), and Argentina (+7%). Meanwhile, Chilean and Venezuelan output dropped 30% and 18%, respectively. The downward trend observed in Chile can be partially explained due to the closure of CAP’s Huachipago Plant’s flat steel line in 2013.
In January 2014, regional crude steel production reached 5.2 million tons, 1% less than January 2013. Brazil was the largest regional producer with 2.7 million tons, accounting for 53% of Latin American output. However, its production was down 1% in terms of volume compared to January 2013. Mexico came in second place with 1.6 million tons, similar to output registered in January 2013.
Countries increasing steel production in the first month of 2014 were: Argentina and Peru, by 24% and 5%, respectively. Chile’s output dropped 33% vs. January 2013.
Trade Balance 2013
By the end of 2013, regional finished steel trade registered an annual deficit of 11.2 million tons, lower than the 12.3 million ton deficit registered in 2012.
In 2013, deficits could be observed in every Latin American and Caribbean country, with the exception of Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Mexico presented the greatest annual unbalance of =2.9 million tons. Other countries registering significant annual deficits were: Colombia (-1.9 million tons), Chile and Peru (-11.4 million tons each).
Production 2014
In January 2014, Latin America reached a monthly finished steel production of 4.5 million tons, similar to January 2013.
During this month, Brazil was the main producer of finished steel with 2 million tons, representing 47% of Latin American output. It was followed by Mexico with 1.3 million tons (30% share of regional output).
Countries increasing finished steel production in January 2014 compared to January 2013 were: Colombia (+18%), Ecuador (+11%), and Argentina (+7%). Meanwhile, Chilean and Venezuelan output dropped 30% and 18%, respectively. The downward trend observed in Chile can be partially explained due to the closure of CAP’s Huachipago Plant’s flat steel line in 2013.
In January 2014, regional crude steel production reached 5.2 million tons, 1% less than January 2013. Brazil was the largest regional producer with 2.7 million tons, accounting for 53% of Latin American output. However, its production was down 1% in terms of volume compared to January 2013. Mexico came in second place with 1.6 million tons, similar to output registered in January 2013.
Countries increasing steel production in the first month of 2014 were: Argentina and Peru, by 24% and 5%, respectively. Chile’s output dropped 33% vs. January 2013.
Trade Balance 2013
By the end of 2013, regional finished steel trade registered an annual deficit of 11.2 million tons, lower than the 12.3 million ton deficit registered in 2012.
In 2013, deficits could be observed in every Latin American and Caribbean country, with the exception of Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Mexico presented the greatest annual unbalance of =2.9 million tons. Other countries registering significant annual deficits were: Colombia (-1.9 million tons), Chile and Peru (-11.4 million tons each).
