Finished Steel Output by Latin America Surged 4%

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The finished steel production in Latin America surged higher by 4% during the first eight months of 2018. Meantime, the regional crude steel output too was up by 3% during this period.

The statistics published by the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero) states that finished steel production by the region reached 36.5 million tonnes (Mt) in Jan-Aug ’18, higher by 4% when compared with the corresponding period last year. The primary producer was Brazil with 15.4 Mt, accounting for 42% of the total Latin American production. The Mexican output totaled 13.2 Mt, equivalent to 36% of the regional total. Out of this, 57% were flat products. Long products and seamless tubes accounted for 42% and 1% of Latin American finished steel production respectively.

The crude steel production was up by 3% over the previous year, totaling 43.8 Mt in Jan-Aug ’18. The production had totaled only 42.4 Mt in the same period of 2017. The main producer in the region, Brazil accounted for 53% of the regional total. The country’s production recorded 2% jump to total 23.1 Mt.

The monthly crude and finished steel output totaled 5.5 Mt and 4.5 Mt respectively in August 2018.

The steel consumption data for the first seven months of 2018 suggests marginal jump by 1% in finished steel consumption by the region. The Latin American finished steel consumption totaled 39.5 Mt in Jan-July ’18.