Apparent steel consumption in Latin America is estimated to have reached a volume of 14.9 million mt during the second quarter of the current year, three percent more than the previous quarter, but one percent less that same period last year, according to the Latin American Iron and Steel Institute (ILAFA).
Following the contraction of 38 percent in apparent steel use in Latin America in Q1 2009 as compared to Q3 2008 due to the global crisis, apparent steel consumption in the region subsequently recovered in a slightly upward direction, reaching maximums of 15 million mt for both the second and third quarters of 2010.