Latin America's apparent rolled steel consumption rose by 6.4 percent year on year to 7.1 million mt in July 2026, its highest monthly level since records began in 2011, according to the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero), with imports accounting for much of the increase.
Record imports widen steel trade deficit
July imports increased by 10.4 percent year on year to a record 3.2 million mt, bringing January-July shipments to 18.8 million mt, up 0.9 percent. Imports represented 41.4 percent of regional consumption during the period, compared with 41.0 percent in 2025.
January-July exports edged down by 0.1 percent to 3.9 million mt, widening the regional steel trade deficit to 14.9 million mt from 14.7 million mt a year earlier.
Steel production shows moderate recovery
Crude steel output increased by 5.6 percent year on year to 4.9 million mt in July, taking January-July production to 33.4 million mt, up 2.6 percent. Rolled steel output rose by 4.9 percent to 4.5 million mt, lifting cumulative production by 0.6 percent to 30.1 million mt and reversing the decline recorded through June.
