Latin American steel production rose year on year for a sixth straight month in August 2026. But imports accounted for a record 43.5% of apparent regional rolled steel consumption in January–August, the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero) said.
Crude steel output increased 3.7% year on year in August to 4.7 million metric tons. Production for the first eight months of the year rose 3% to 38.2 million metric tons. Rolled steel output reached its highest monthly level of 2026 at 4.6 million metric tons, up 9.9% from a year earlier. Eight-month production totaled 34.9 million metric tons, an increase of 1.7%.
Apparent rolled steel consumption climbed 12.9% in August to 7 million metric tons. Imports rose 12.3% to 2.9 million metric tons, while exports fell 4.9% to 522,000 metric tons. The regional steel trade deficit widened to 18.4 million metric tons in January–August, from 17.9 million a year earlier.
Automotive and construction activity supported demand. The automotive sector grew 2.8% in January–September, while construction expanded 1.2% in January–August. Machinery and household goods remained in contraction.
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