ALACERO: metallurgical production remains stable

The latest published report by the Latin American Association of Steel Producers (ALACERO) shows that steel output in the region has remained unchanged since 2014. Steel consumption increased slightly, while the region's steel trade deficit continues to widen.

According to ALACERO data, steel production declined by almost 1 percent during this period. Consumption increased by 2 percent. Imports of finished steel products continue to increase. At the same time, imports of finished steel products accounted for 33 percent of total steel consumption in Latin America during this period.

Compared to the previous year, steel consumption in Brazil fell by almost 5 percent during January-September 2014. Combined with processing, steel consumption in the region for the period from January to September this year amounted to 52.5 million tonnes.

Imports of finished steel in the region have grown significantly. The increase was more than 17 percent to 17.4 million tonnes in the first nine months of the year, compared to finished steel imports of 14.9 million tonnes during the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, exports declined, bringing the trade deficit to -11.9 million tonnes. The trade deficit increased by 20 percent over the previous year. The regional trade organization hopes that the leadership will be able to initiate punitive measures against the growth of imports of finished products, especially from China.