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Finished Steel Apparent Use in Latin America Remained Stable While Production Fell

08/23/2013 - Finished steel apparent use in Latin America reached 33.1 million tons in January-June 2013, in line with the same period of 2012, according to the region’s steel association Alacero.

Finished steel production reached 27.7 million tons, 1% less when compared to January–June 2012.
Production
In July 2013, finished steel production at a regional level reached 4.6 million tons, 4% less than that of July 2012. Important drops were observed in Argentina (-30%), Colombia (-21%), Mexico (-7%).
During the first seven months of 2013, the region produced 32.4 million tons of finished steel, 1% less than same period of 2012. The largest producer is Brazil with 15.3 million tons and 47% share of the regional output. Mexico follows with 8.9 million tons and 27% share. It is worth mentioning that Colombia and Chile show drops in their production of 30% and 19% respectively, comparing to the same period of 2012.
During January-July 2013, crude steel production in Latin America was of 37.6 million tons, 3% less than the same period of 2012. Brazil is the largest regional producer, with 19.9 million tons, even when its output decreased 2% compared to January-July 2012.
In July 2013, crude steel production reached 5.5 million tons, in line with July 2012.
Trade Balance
During January-June 2013, finished steel regional trade presented a 5.6 million tons deficit, slightly lower than the 5.9 million tons registered during the same period of 2012.
in January-June 2013, every Latin American country — except Argentina, Brazil and Dominican Republic — presented a negative steel trade balance. The largest deficit appeared in Mexico (-1.5 million tons). Other countries with an important negative balance were: Colombia (875,000 tons), Peru (759,000 tons) and Chile (740,000 tons).
Alacero — Latin American Steel Association — is the organization that brings together the steel value chain of Latin America to promote the values of regional integration, technological innovation, corporate responsibility and social and environmental sustainability. Founded in 1959, Alacero is formed by 51 companies of 25 countries, whose annual production of about 70 million annual tons represents 95% of the steel manufactured in Latin America. Alacero is a special consulting organization to the United nations and is recognized as international non-government organization by the republic of Chile, host country of Alacero’s headquarters.