Alacero, the Latin American steel association, reported Monday that apparent finished steel use was 28 million tons between January-May 2013, similar to the same period in 2012. Finished steel production reached 23 million tons, 1 percent less than January-May 2012.
In January-June 2013, regional finished steel production reached 28 million tons, in line with the same period of 2012. Brazil was the largest producer of finished steel, with 12.9 million tons and a 46 percent share of the Latin-American total. It was followed by Mexico, with 8 million tons (28 percent share). On the other hand, Colombia and Chile reported declines in production, 32 percent and 19 percent respectively, compared to same period last year.
In June 2013, finished steel production reached 5 million tons, 5 percent more than in June 2012. This figure was driven by Brazil, Mexico and Peru. During January-June 2013, regional crude steel production reached 32.9 million tons, 1 percent below the same period of the previous year. Brazil continues to be the largest regional producer, with 17 million tons even when its production decreased 2 percent versus January-June 2012.
In June 2013, crude steel production reached 5.5 million tons, 3 percent more than the same month a year ago. Between January-May 2013, regional finished steel trade reflected a 4.9 million tons deficit, in line with the deficit registered during the same period of 2012.
In January-May 2013, all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean--with the exception of Argentina and Brazil--presented trade deficit in the finished steel market. Mexico's deficit of 1.4 million tons was the largest in Latin America. Other countries that with high deficit include: Colombia (737,000tons), Peru (668,000 tons) and Chile (625,000 tons).