Santiago, Chile, April 1st, 2013. Finished steel product imports from China to Latin America reached 666,109 tons in January-February 2013, 30% more than in the same period of 2012. The region represented 8% of China´s global exports of these products that reached 7.9 million tons.
Brazil with 124,981, Chile with 105,272 tons, Venezuela with 103,500 tons and Peru with 102,957 tons were the countries that imported the highest volume of steel products from China in January-February 2013 and represented 66% of the region.
The countries with the strongest increase of finished steel imports from China in January-February 2013 versus same period of 2012 were Venezuela (+473%), Colombia (+57%), Peru (+45%) and Chile (+41%).
Although Brazil continues to be the most important finished steel importer from China, during the first two months of 2013 its imports decreased 18% compared to the same period of 2012.
Glossary
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.