The apparent consumption of hot rolled coils (HRC) in Mexico registered a new maximum, in at least the last 28 months, in April totaled 510,000 metric tons (mt), 22.3 percent or 93,000 mt more compared to the same month from last year, according to data from the Mexican Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero), reviewed by SteelOrbis.
In the last 16 months, HRC consumption in Mexico grew double digits 14 times. In June 2023, it registered the highest growth rate of the period with 43.8 percent. Of the top 10 most consumed finished steel products in Mexico, HRC is #1.
Regarding HRC production in Mexico, in April it was moved from the first to the second most manufactured product. That month, rebar production regained leadership. In the given month, HRC production totaled 322,000 mt, 1.6 percent, year over year, compared to an 8.1 percent slump in March.
In the accumulated four months of the year, HRC consumption increased 17.5 percent or 279,000 mt to 1.87 million mt. HRC production increased 9.9 percent or 121,000 mt, totaling 1.35 million mt. HRC imports increased 37.4 percent or 156,000 mt to 573,000 mt, while there was no export data.
Industry data shows that HRC producers in Mexico are Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA, paralyzed by insolvency), Tyasa, Ternium and ArcelorMittal.