In the January-November period this year, finished steel apparent use in Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 57 million metric tons, one percent higher compared with the same period in 2012, according to Alacero, the Latin American steel association. Finished steel production in the region had increased by one percent year on year in the given period to reach 47 million metric tons.
Meanwhile, in the January-November period this year, Latin America's finished steel production totaled 52.2 million metric tons, one percent more than in the same period of 2012. The main finished steel producer was Brazil, with 24.2 million metric tons, accounting for 46 percent of Latin American output, followed by Mexico with 14.6 million metric tons, accounting for 28 percent. Peru increased its production by 20 percent, while Chile and Colombia saw production drops of 18 percent and six percent respectively, all on year-on-year basis.
In November this year, regional finished steel production amounted to 4.9 million metric tons, five percent more than in November 2012.
In January-November this year, crude steel production in Latin America totaled 60.6 million metric tons, similar to the same period of 2012. Brazil continues to be the largest regional producer, with 31.5 million metric tons, even though its output decreased by one percent year on year.
In November of the current year, crude steel production in Latin America totaled 5.6 million metric tons, three percent higher than in November 2012.
In the January-October period, regional finished steel trade displayed a deficit of 10.2 million metric tons, slightly lower than the deficit of 10.5 million metric tons registered during the same period of 2012. In January-October this year, every country in Latin America and the Caribbean - except Argentina and the Dominican Republic - indicated deficits in finished steel trade. Mexico displayed the deepest imbalance (2.3 million metric tons). Other countries with significant deficits were Colombia (1.7 million metric tons), Peru (1.5 million metric tons) and Chile (1.2 million metric tons).