Argentina's crude steel output up 9.3%

Argentina’s crude steel output up 9.3%

Argentina's steel industries office CIS said that the country's year-on-year primary iron output rose 3.2% in January 2005 to 361'300; however, this figure is 8.6% lower than the 395'200 tons produced in December 2004. Argentina's crude steel production totaled 419'500 tons in January. Production was up 9.3% from 383'600 tons in the same period last year, but down 6.6% compared to 449'200 tons in December 2004. Hot rolled steel production totaled 408'100 tons in January 2005, up 16.3% from 350'800 tons in January 2004. Cold rolled flat steel output amounted to 146'000 tons, up 11.6% from 130'800 tons.