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Steel consumption strengthens in Latin America

Steel consumption continues to grow due to the recovery in demand, the increase in the industrial production index and manufacturing, and the rebuilding of stocks, both at the final consumers and in the distribution chain. Steel consumption in January 2021 rose for the ninth consecutive month, up 0.8% compared to the previous month, totaling 6.09 million tons (Mt), or 12.7% more than in January 2020. This brings it back to the level before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The short-term outlook is favorable for strengthening steel demand in the region. A few days ago, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the April update of its forecasts for this year, which indicate that the global economy will grow by 6%, developed countries by 5.1%, emerging economies by 6.7%, and Latin America by 4.6%; in the region, Brazil stands out with a rate of 3.7%, and Mexico with 5%.

Brazil was the largest contributor to the improved steel demand performance, with an 8.8% increase, and the fifth consecutive month above 2 Mt monthly, a level that had not been recorded since June 2018. Argentina also showed a 10.8% rise in January consumption compared to December 2020.

Imports registered an increase of 5.7% in comparison with January 2020. The month’s exports fell 27.3% compared to the same period last year because the industry focuses on supplying the local market as a priority. The latter result was 12.4% lower than December last year and accounted for only 11.4% of regional production in January, below the 15.6% share in 2020.

Source: Alacero

As a consequence of this performance, there was a worsening of the trade balance deficit, which had already been registered in November and December. In January, imports accounted for 35% of regional consumption, up from 33% observed during 2020.

“We are facing a period of uncertainty and are in the process of getting the balance between demand and production right. However, at this time, we must take care of market conditions in the face of the growing threat of imports and the increasing trade deficit,” said Francisco Leal, Chief Executive of Alacero.

Cumulative crude steel production through February was 10.21 Mt, representing a 3.9% increase compared to the same period in 2020. The accumulated rolled steel production grew 3.4%, reaching 4.18 Mt in February, 2% above the previous month. “The macroeconomic recovery should accelerate in the second half of the year, and we expect production to maintain its upward curve and consumption to sustain its growth at the regional level, with the trade deficit under control,” Leal added.
Source: Alacero

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