Argentinian steelmaker Ternium Siderar told SteelOrbis on the sidelines of the Brazil Steel Congress, held in Brasilia, from August 22-23, it is still uncertain about the restart of its No. 1 blast furnace.
“We’ll resume output as the market improves,” said the company’s CEO, Martin Berardi, despite admitting domestic demand for flats should increase in Argentina.
“We’re seeing improved market conditions in Argentina,” he said.
Siderar has two blast furnaces in Argentina. The company’s No. 1 blast furnace is located at the company’s General Savio mill, in the city of Ramallo, and is the steelmaker’s smallest furnace.
Siderar’s No. 2 blast furnace is assuming most of the company’s production needs, as the No. 1 equipment remains idled.
Berardi also confirmed the company’s recent estimate unveiled during its Q2 results that domestic demand for flats in Argentina should grow 10 percent in 2017, year-on-year, to 2.7 million mt of finished products.
Siderar said it expects increased steel sales volumes for Q3 as well, but did not provide specific numbers or estimates.