Argentina's steel production fell in September

Argentine steel industry chamber Acero Argentino (AA) reported that the country's steel production reached 356,700 tons in September, up from 370,300 tons in August.

On a comparative basis, HRC production increased by 11.2 percent to 202,100 tons, CRC production increased by 6.1 percent to -106.4 thousand tons, and long steel production fell by 9.8 percent to 111.7 thousand tons.  Compared to September 2024, the data shows that steel production decreased by 3.8 percent, HRC production increased by 13.8 percent, CRC production increased by 4.6 percent, and long steel production decreased by 21.0 percent.  According to the AA, the civil engineering sector continues to show weak level of activity despite signs of a possible recovery, reflected by a 3.7 increase in cement purchases for the month.  The automobile industry posted production growth of 5.8 percent from August to September, although down 5.0 percent from September 2024.  The machinery and equipment sector continues to suffer from the impact of high interest rates and imports of equipment and parts, new and used consumption, but maintains positive expectations for the next strong harvest.  Mass consumption industries such as white goods and packaging are currently suffering from low demand caused by a lack of credit lines, but still suffer from competition from imports of finished goods.