Apparent consumption of hot rolled sheet coils (HRC) in Mexico grew by double digits. In September, HRC consumption increased 22.3 percent, year-over-year, to 417,000 metric tons (mt), the fourth consecutive annual increase, according to data from the Mexican Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero) reviewed by SteelOrbis.
HRC production in Mexico remained in positive territory for the second consecutive month with an increase of 4.4 percent, year-over-year, in September with 310,000 mt. HRC remains the second most produced steel product; in consumption it is number one.
So far this year, there are only four increases in production: January (35.5 percent), March (12.3 percent), August (2.7 percent) and September. February, May and July stand out in the decline in production with annualized falls of 15.8, 19.9 and 22.0 percent, respectively.
International HRC trade in Mexico increased 62.8 percent, year-over-year, in September to 153,000. This increase is explained by the explosive growth of 85.7 percent or 60,000 mt more in HRC imports to 130,000 mt. In contrast, exports decreased 4.2 percent to 23,000 mt.
In the accumulated January-September, consumption increased 17.5 percent or 564,000 mt to 3.79 million mt. Production decreased 1.9 percent to 2.67 million mt. Trade flow increased 7.7 percent to 1.4 million mt, Exports decreased 65 percent to 139,000 mt and imports increased 39.6 percent to 1.26 million mt.
Industry data shows that HRC producers in Mexico are Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA, paralyzed by insolvency), Tyasa, Ternium and ArcelorMittal.