LatAm Crude Steel Production Up

Latin America and the Caribbean during the first quarter of the year show a positive balance in consumption and production. Finished steel consumption grew 7%, meanwhile crude and finished steel production increased 12% and 3%, respectively, versus January-March 2016, according to the latest figures released by the Latin American Iron and Steel Institute, scrapregister reported. For its part, the regional steel imports represent 34% of Latin American consumption, two points higher than the same months of 2016 (32%). During January-March 2017, Latin America produced 15.2 million tons of crude steel, 12% higher than the volume recorded in January-March 2016 (13.6 MT). Brazil is still the main producer in the region with 54% of the regional production (8.3 MT), increasing 14% versus first quarter of 2016. In the same period, production of finished steel reached 12.8 MT, 3% higher than registered in January-March 2016. Brazil was the main producer with 5.4 MT, accounting for 42% of Latin American output. Mexico came second with 4.6 MT  with 36% share of regional output.