Steel imports in Latin America recorded an 18.1% increase in March compared to February and 3.8% more than the same month last year, affecting the growth opportunities of the region’s industry.
In fact, extraregional imports represented 92.5% of total imports in March and 40% of apparent consumption, compared to 37% recorded in the previous February. “This shows that the increase in consumption in the region has been driven by imports,” said Ezequiel Tavernelli, Executive Director of Alacero.
In terms of exports, 651.5 thousand tons were registered in March, 10.3% more than in the previous February, but 27.3% less than in the same month last year.
Steel production in April
Meanwhile, crude steel production in April was 4,726.5 thousand tons, 1.2% more than in March but 5.3% less than the same month last year. As for rolled steel production, 4,339.3 thousand tons were recorded in April, 1.6% more than in March and 3.0% less than in the same month of 2023.
