In December 2011, Latin American crude steel production totaled about 6 million metric tons, increasing four percent compared to the previous month of November and up 22 percent compared to the same month of 2010, according to a statement released by the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero). Latin America's crude steel production in 2011 reached to 68.8 million mt, up 12 percent compared to 2010.
Latin America's crude steel production level in 2011 has grown steadily since September. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, the three major producers, saw their crude steel outputs in 2011 increase by 12 percent, seven percent and 13 percent, respectively, compared to 2010.
Meanwhile, during 2011 the region's production of finished steel reached a volume of 56.6 million mt, eight percent higher than 2010. Brazil, the largest producer in the region, recorded a finished steel output of 25.2 million mt, one percent less than 2010, while Mexico, the second largest producer, achieved a finished steel output of 16.1 million mt, an increase of 11 percent compared to the previous year.