ILAFA: Latin American crude steel production fell 33.2 percent Jan-Jul

Latin American crude steel production fell 33.2 percent to 27.3 million mt in the first seven months of the year when compared to the same period last year, reported the Latin American Institute of Iron Ore and Steel (ILAFA).
 
So far this year Brazil's production contracted 36.9 percent to 13 million mt, while Mexico's declined 30.7 percent to 7.8 million mt. Moreover, Argentina's production fell 40.6 percent to 2 million mt, Chile's has dropped 39.2 percent to 614,000 mt and Paraguay's reached 28,300 mt contracting 43.3 percent. Also this year Peru's production totaled 361,500 mt, shrinking 45.6 percent, and Venezuela's production dropped 10 percent by generating 2.2 million mt, reported ILAFA.
 
Iron ore production during the first seven months of the year in Latin America reached 22.3 million mt and declined 40.3 percent when compared to the same period of time last year.
 
The ILAFA report further detailed that Brazil's iron ore production fell 43.8 percent and reached 12.1 million, while Mexico's dropped 34 percent and totaled 4.4 million mt, and Argentina's production shrank 48.7 percent to 1.4 million mt.
 
Hot rolled coil production in Latin America reached 23.8 million mt and declined 28.9 percent in the Jan-Jul period compared to the same months in 2008.