Mexican domestic steel beam IPR (ASTM-A6) prices fell by approximately US$36/mt last week to the level of US$884/mt ex-mill, while prices of steel beam I (ASTM-A36) dropped $25/mt in the same period to reach US$868/mt ex-mill.
Despite the weakness in beam prices, construction-related demand is expected to improve once the National Infrastructure Plan is under way. Construction companies listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) are forecasted to show improved performance this year, and analysts expect a significant increase in the amount of investment in the sector, which would trigger the growth of the construction industry and the entire economy.