Santiago, Chile, March 19th, 2013. Apparent steel use2 in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 5.1 million tons in January 2013, 1% more than January 2012. During the same month, a marked increase in consumption could be observed in some countries such as Argentina (32%), Peru (10%) and Colombia (7%).
Finished steel production grew 3% y-o-y, to reach 4.4 million tons.
Production
Finished Steel production accounted for 9 million tons during January-February 2013. Brasil represented 47% of this volume (4.2 million tons). Mexico was the second largest manufacturer with 2.7 million tons (30%).
In February 2013 Latin American finished steel production was 4.6 million tons (1% more than same month of 2012). Largest producers continued to be Brasil (2.1 million tons) and Mexico (1.4 million tons).
Crude Steel production in the region reached 10.3 million tons during January-February 2013, 2% less than during the same period of 2012.
In January 2013, crude steel production had reached 4.8 million tons (10% decrease y-o-y). However, in February 2013 production increased to 5.5 million tons and displayed a 4% growth versus February 2012.
[1] Preliminary figures, include estimations
[2] Data does not included Venezuela
Brasil was the main manufacturer of crude steel in February 2013 (3 million tons), followed by Mexico (1.5 million tons). Both countries together represent 82% of regional production. During February 2013, Argentina showed a strong fall in crude steel production of 29% versus February 2012.
Trade Balance
In January 2013, finished steel3 regional trade deficit reached 827 thousand tons, compared to a deficit of 1 million tons in January 2012.
Every Latin American and Caribbean country –except Argentina, Brasil and Dominican Republic- displayed finished steel trade deficits in January 2013. Mexico presented the largest unbalance of -345 thousand tons. Other countries that presented significant trade deficits were Colombia (149 thousand tons) and Peru (131 thousand tons)
Glossary
Crude Steel: Steel in its most basic form, coming from the continuous casting process, (slap, billet etc.). To obtain the qualities necessary for usage, this kind of steel needs to pass posterior processes, like rolling etc.
Finished steel or wrought steel: Refers to steel included in one of these 3 groups: Long products (e.g.: reinforcing bars, bars, wire rod, light sections, heavy sections, rails), flat steel (e.g.: sheets and coils, coated sheets, pre-painted, stainless steel, chrome-plate sheets, hot dip galvanized sheet etc.) and seamless tubes.
About Alacero
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 52 companies of 25 countries, whose 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.