Alacero, the Latin American steel association, said that apparent finished steel use in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 21.7 million tonnes in January–April 2013, in line with same period of the previous year. Finished steel production reached 18.1 million tonnes, 1% less compared with January–April 2012.
Between January–May 2013, regional finished steel production reached 23 million tonnes, a drop of 1% compared with the same period in 2012. Brazil maintained the largest share, with 10.7million tonnes, followed by Mexico. However, the year-on-year production in Colombia and Chile fell by 32% and 19%, respectively.
In May 2013, the finished steel production reached 4.9 million tonnes, in line with same period in 2012. Latin American crude steel production reached 27.3 million tonnes during January–May 2013, a 2% YoY decline. Brazil continues to be the largest producer in the region, with 14.1Mt, even though its production decreased 3% YoY. In May 2013, crude steel production reached 6.2 million tonnes, 11% more than May 2012. During January–April 2013, regional finished steel trade reflected a deficit of 3.7 million tonnes, down from 4 million tonnes during the same period in 2012.
