S. America’s crude steel output swells in March
South America's crude steel production rose 1.5% year-on-year from 3.86 million metric tons to 3.92 million metric tons in March 2005, according to data published by the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI). South America's largest steel producer, Brazil, produced 2.77 million metric tons of crude steel in March 2005, up slightly 1% from March 2004. In addition, Argentina increased production 11% year-on-year to 466'000 metric tons. Venezuelan output declined 4.4% year-on-year to 400'000 metric tons in March, while Chile's crude steel output dropped 1.2% year-on-year to 129'000 metric tons.