Apparent consumption of hot-dipped galvanized sheet (HDG) in Mexico decreased again in May, by 4.8 percent year-over-year to 376,000 metric tons (mt). This volume is similar to that of March and ranks as the highest so far this year, according to data from the Mexican Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero) reviewed by SteelOrbis.
HDG is the second largest steel product consumed in Mexico, only surpassed by hot rolled coils (HRC).
Production increased 5.4 percent, year-over-year, in May to 272,000 mt, the second consecutive annual increase and the third in the first five months of the year.
The national production of HDG contributed 72.3 percent of the total consumption, 7.0 percentage points more than the same month last year.
The flow of HDG international trade in May decreased 11.1 percent to total 185,000 mt. Exports increased 17.1 percent, year-over-year to total 41,000 mt, while imports decreased 16.8 percent to 144,000 mt.
In the accumulated five-month period, HDG consumption increased 1.2 percent to 1.80 million mt, production increased 1.7 percent to 1.37 million mt. Trade flow decreased 12.6 percent to 811,000 mt, imports decreased 8.7 percent to 621,000 mt, and exports decreased 23.3 percent to 190,000 mt.
Industry data shows that galvanized sheet producers in Mexico are Ternium, TYASA, Posco Mexico, Villacero and Nucor-JFE Steel Mexico.