According to a report published by Alacero, the Latin American Steel Association, Latin America and the Caribbean during the first quarter of the year 2017 shows a positive balance in consumption and production. The finished steel consumption grew 7 percent, while the crude and finished steel production increased 12 percent and 3 percent, respectively, versus January-March 2016.
During January-March 2017, the region produced 15.2 million tons (Mt) of crude steel, 12 percent higher than the volume recorded in January-March 2016 (13.6 Mt). Brazil is still the main producer in the region with 54 percent of the regional production (8.3 Mt), increasing 14 percent versus first quarter of 2016.
In the same period, the production of finished steel reached 12.8 Mt, 3 percent higher than registered in January -March 2016. Brazil was the main producer with 5.4 Mt, accounting for 42 percent of the Latin American output.