Crude steel production in Latin America grew 13.9pc between January and April 2021, compared to the same period in 2020 according to the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero).
In the first four months of the year, the region’s countries produced 21.06mn mt of rolled steel, up from 18.5mn mt produced between January and April 2020, Alacero reported on Thursday. In April alone, LatAm’s output increased 52.9pc compared to the same month of 2020, to reach 5.47mn mt from 3.57mn mt. Production maintained its upward trend, increasing 2.3pc compared to March this year, from 5.35mn mt.
Rolled steel production also increased in the region between January and April 2021, 16.9pc compared to the same period last year, to 18.25mn mt from 15.60mn mt. In April this year, production of this material increased 63.7pc to 4.71mn mt, compared to 2.87mn mt in the same month of 2020. On the other hand, production fell 0.6pc compared to March this year, from 4.73mn mt.
Alejandro Wagner, executive director, Alacero, is positive about the recovery of the steel sector and its value chain, given its vitality for the region since it generates 1.2 million jobs.