Mexican domestic plate prices dropped US$20/mt ex-mill during the last two weeks, to close US$834/mt ex-mill.
Many in the plate market are anticipating the new presidential National Infrastructure Plan (PNI), which could result in attractive contracts for constructors and other contractors.
According to financial sources, the government of President Enrique Pena Nieto should give priority to domestic producers. During the last two governments of National Action Party (PAN), there was significant investment in that area. The challenge for the Ministry of Communications is to strengthen the domestic market, giving more room to local builders and suppliers over foreign producers in large projects.
They say that this is not a protectionist argument, it is a simple approach: to compete globally, Mexican construction and its supply chain must be strengthened financially, technically and professionally.