Latin America and the Caribbean crude steel production totaled 65.1 million tonnes (Mt) in 2018, which is marginally higher by 3.4% when compared with 2017. The main producer with 53% share of the regional production was Brazil. The country’s production totaled 34.7 Mt.
The regional finished steel output hit 53.7 Mt in 2018, 2% higher than the output recorded in 2017. Brazil was the top producer with 23.1 Mt, accounting for 43% of the Latin American total. In second place was Mexico.
The consumption of finished steel by the region recorded decline by 1% from 2017 to total 67 Mt. The key countries to witnessed increased consumption during the year were Brazil, Paraguay and Colombia. On the other hand, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica recorded significant decline in finished steel consumption.
The Latin American finished steel imports at 22.7 Mt in 2018 were 10% less than the year prior to that. Out of the total imports, flat products accounted for 70%, long products for 27% and seamless pipes for 3%. The region exported 9.8 Mt of finished steel during the previous year, which is 8% less than 2017. The trade balance continued to remain negative, though the deficit recorded marginal decline.
Francisco Leal, general director of Alacero noted that the steel activity in the region was mainly driven by consumption and exports. He expects the greatest contribution in 2019 to come from the construction and infrastructure creation sector.
Charcoal Machine
Carbonization Furnace
Briquette Machine
