According to a statement released by the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero), in November 2011 Latin American steel exports amounted to 611,383 metric tons, decreasing 25 percent compared to the same month of 2010. The largest contraction was registered in Brazil where exports decreased 50 percent compared to November 2010, while in Mexico steel exports increased 22 percent year on year.
The region's steel imports amounted to 1.4 million mt in November 2011, increasing two percent compared with November 2010. Chile, Colombia and Ecuador recorded significant year-on-year increases, while the steel imports of Argentina and Brazil fell by 27 percent and 34 percent respectively, both compared to November 2010.
Meanwhile, during the first 11 months of 2011, Latin America's consumption of finished steel grew by 2.2 percent compared to the same period in 2010. In the given period, Mexico's finished steel consumption rose eight percent, while Brazil recorded a four percent contraction, as compared to January-November 2010.