Crude steel production totaled 4.5 million units, which represents a decrease of 5.9 percent year-on-year. Rolled steel production also recorded losses, falling by 7.9 percent in September and by 3.7 percent for the combined period from January to September.
The apparent consumption was 6.0 million tons in September, which is 1.8 percent less than last year. However, regional demand still showed a slight improvement over the nine-month period, with consumption growing by 1.4 percent year-on-year. Five of the six major economies registered cumulative growth, while Mexico recorded a significant 9.9 percent decline.
Imports rose sharply, rising 11.6 percent, with Brazil and Argentina leading the way in growth, while Mexico again moved in the opposite direction with a 13.1 percent drop. Imports currently account for 40.9 percent of visible consumption, the highest share recorded since 2011.
Exports, however, remained weak. In January-September, the region recorded an 8.8 percent drop in foreign sales. The overall trade balance in September showed a deficit of 1.9 million tons
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