S. America’s crude steel output tumbles in February
South America's crude steel production dropped 4.5% year-on-year to 3.46 million metric tons in February 2005, according to data published by the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI). South America's largest steel producer, Brazil, produced 2.45 million metric tons of crude steel in February 2005, down 4.6% from February 2004. On the other hand, Argentina increased production 2.2% year-on-year to 419'000 metric tons. Venezuelan output declined 17.8% year-on-year to 310'000 metric tons in February, while Chile's crude steel output rose 9.3% year-on-year to 137'000 metric tons.