Latin American output stable in H1 2013

Latin American apparent use of finished steel reached 33.1Mt in the first half 2013, in line with the same period 2012. Production of finished steel fell 1% to 27.7Mt compared to the same period 2012.

Alacero – the Latin American Steel Association, reports that in July 2013, finished steel production in the regional was 4.6Mt, 4% down on July 2012. The largest falls in output were in Argentina (-30%), Colombia (-21%), and Mexico (-7%).

During the first seven months of 2013, the region produced 32.4Mt of finished steel, 1% less than  same period of 2012. the largest producer was Brazil at 15.3Mt which had a 47% share of regional  output. Mexico follows with 8.9Mt and 27% share. Colombia and Chile showed drops in production of 30% and 19% respectively, comparing to the same period 2012.

Crude steel production in the first seven-months 2013 was 37.6Mt 3% less than the same period 2012. Brazil accounted for 19.9Mt, making it the largest producer but this figure was a decreased 2% compared  to January-July 2012.

In July 2013, crude  steel production in the region reached 5.5Mt, in line with July 2012.

Trade Balance

During January-June 2013, finished steel regional trade showed a 5.6Mt deficit, slightly less than the 5.9Mt in the same period 2012.

In the first half 2013 the only countries not to show a net trade deficit were Argentina, Brazil and the Dominican Republic. All others registered a negative steel trade balance. The largest deficit was in Mexico (-1.5Mt). Other countries with significant deficits were Colombia (-875kt), Peru (-750kt)  and Chile (-740kt).