Brazil's crude steel production down 18% in Feb

Statistics from Brazilian steel association IBS show that Brazil's crude steel production in the month of February 2006 totaled 2.13 million mt, down 17.7 percent from February 2005. Flat rolled steel output in February 2006 fell 20.7 percent from last year to 913'000 mt, while long product production rose 2.7 percent from the previous year to 703'500 mt. "Brazil's crude steel and rolled output in the first two months of 2006 decreased 9.1 percent and 2.4 percent respectively compared to 2005," IBS said in a statement. They added that the result reflects fewer working days as well as production disruptions due to scheduled maintenance or accidents. IBS' members include steelmakers Acesita, Gerdau, and Usiminas.