South American crude steel output during April drops 3% year-on-year, says WSA

SAO PAULO (Scrap Monster) : According to the recent data published by the World Steel Association (WSA), the crude steel production in South  America dropped by 3% during the month of  April year-on-year. At the same time, global crude steel production for 63 member countries in April this year was 132 million tonnes (Mt), 1.2% higher than the production during same month the previous year.

The total crude steel production by Argentina during April was 429,000 tonnes, lower than the April 2012 production of 480,000 tonnes. Brazil produced 2.965 Million tonnes of crude steel, lesser when compared to 3.013 Million tonnes production achieved during April 2012. The Chilean crude steel production also slipped considerably from 141,000 tonnes to 95,000 tonnes.The total crude steel production by Colombia dropped from 122,000 tonnes in April 2012 to 90,000 tonnes in April this year.

Ecuador recorded higher output year-on-year. The crude steel output by El Salvador was 40,000 tonnes in April this year higher from 38,000 tonnes during April last year.  Paraguay witnessed steep cut in production during the month. Paraguay’s crude steel output fell 66.7% from 3000 tonnes in April 2012 to 1000 tonnes in the same month this year.

Peru and Venezuela raised their crude steel production year-on-year. The crude steel output by Peru grew 7.6% from 79,000 tonnes to 85,000 tonnes year-on-year. Venezuelan production ramped up by 25% from 188,000 tonnes to 235,000 tonnes. The crude steel output of Uruguay remained unchanged.

The following table provides cumulative crude steel output for the first four months in 2013 in comparison with those during same period in 2012.

Note: Output in thousands of tonnes