Alacero, the Latin American steel association, reported Thursday that apparent finished steel use in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 21.7 million tons in January-April 2013, in line with same period of the previous year. Finished steel production reached 18.1 million tons, 1 percent less than January-April 2012.
In January-May 2013, regional finished steel production reached 23 million tons, a drop of 1 percent compared to the same period in 2012. Brazil maintained the largest share, with 10.7 million tons (46 percent share of regional production). It was followed by Mexico (6.6 million tons and 28 percent share). On the other hand, production in Colombia and Chile fell 32 percent and 19 percent, respectively, year-on-year.
In May 2013, finished steel production reached 4.9 million tons, in line with same period of 2012. Latin American crude steel production reached 27.3 million tons during January-May 2013, a 2 percent year-on-year decline. Brazil continues to be the largest producer of the region, with 14.1 million tons, even though its production decreased 3 percent year-over-year. In May 2013, crude steel production reached 6.2 million tons, 11 percent more than May 2012.
During January-April 2013, regional finished steel trade reflected a deficit of 3.7 million tons, down from 4 million tons in the same period during 2012. During the first four months of 2013, all Latin American countries--except Argentina and Brazil--presented trade deficits, led by Mexico with an imbalance of 1.1 million tons. Other countries that showed significant deficits were: Colombia (590,000 tons), Peru (497,000 tons) and Chile (470,000 tons).