Argentina’s crude steel production fell by 11.9pc to 357,600 mt on an annual basis in September from 406,100mt last year, according to the Argentine Chamber of Steel.
Hot-rolled coil production dropped by 9.3pc to 323,300mt in September from 356,300mt produced in the same month last year, the association said in a statement, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.
Iron ore output also fell by 32.2pc to 195,500mt in September from 288,400 mt produced in the same month last year. Cold-rolled coil production, on the other hand, rose by 19pc to 113,200mt last month, from 95,100mt in September 2019.
Steel consumption increased in September due to higher demand from the automotive industry, the construction sector, agribusiness, agricultural machinery, and white goods sectors, the chamber pointed out.