Apparent domestic consumption of steel in Mexico amounted to 24 million tons in 2012, representing an increase of 15.3 percent compared to 2011, with 20.869 million tons.
According to the Planning Commission of the Chamber of Industry Iron and Steel (CANACERO), the 2013 forecast of steel consumption in Mexico could be 25.178 million tons (an increase of 4.7 percent). This would achieve the optimal consumption levels observed during 2006 and 2007, which were over 25 million tons.
The association says that "this dynamic can be strengthened if the new government, to the demands of the Mexican industry in general, increases the domestic content requirement in procurement and allocation of public sector and parastatal."
"We are pushing for a minimum of national integration of at least 60 percent, as well as apply our main trading partner, the US, and given the positive environment that is perceived with the new government and its willingness to dialogue, the steel sector press ahead with their investment plans, estimated at 11 billion dollars in 2012."
Mexican steel production fell 0.7 percent at the end of 2012, reaching 17.973 million tons, compared with 18.101 million tons in 2011. Production forecast in 2013 is between 18.641 and 19.340 million tons, driven mainly by industry investments made to expand its share in markets such as automotive.