Alacero. Santiago, May 9th, 2013 – According to data published by Alacero –Latin American Steel Association- in its report “China – Latin America Quarterly Monitor”, the region continues to be the second most important destination for Chinese finished steel, only surpassed by South Korea.
So, after leaving behind the European Union since October 2012, Latin America consolidates its position as prominent destination for Chinese steel.
Alacero´s research describes the progress of Chinese exports of finished steel to Latin America during the first quarter of 2013. It informs that during this period Latin America received 952 thousand tons from the Asian country, 9.2% more than during same period of the previous year. Already during 2012, China had supplied 7% of Latin American finished steel apparent use and had accounted for 23% of its imports Between Jan/Mar 2013, China exported globally a total of 12.6 million tons of finished steel, 24% increase y-o-y, but 2% less than Q4/2012. South Korea (2.5 million tons) was the main destination for these products, followed by Latin America and Vietnam.
In Latin America, main destinations continue to be Brazil, Chile and Peru, that account for 48% of Chinese exports to the región. Venezuela (with 113% increase y-o-y), Colombia (+76%) and Dominican Republic (+252%) show the fastest growing import rates.
On the other hand, in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Cuba and Argentina, the arrival of finished Steel decreased y-o-y. According to Alacero´s analysis, this fact might begin to signal a trend where trade flows from China would be moving from Brasil to reach other destinations such as Venezuela or Colombia.Noteworthy that globally China doubled its exports of bars, reaching 2.3 million tons during Q1/2013. Steel sheets and coils followed, reaching 2.2 million tons. Wire rod was the third most exported product and reached a historic peak of 1.8 million tons during the period.
Wire rod is also Latin America´s most imported product. In Q1/2013, the region received 154 thousand tons (accounting for 16% of finished steel imports and 8% of the wire rod exported by China). It is also important to highlight the steady growth –equal or superior to 100%- of concrete steel, bars, hot rolled coils, tinplate and chrome steel
Glossary
Finished steel: Refers to steel included in one of these 3 groups: Long products (e.g.: reinforcing bars, bars, wire rod, light sections, heavy sections, rails), flat steel (e.g.: sheets and coils, coated sheets, pre-painted, stainless steel, chrome-plate sheets, hot dip galvanized sheet etc.) and seamless tubes.
About Alacero
Alacero –Latin American Steel Association- is the organization that brings together the Steel Value Chain of Latin America to promote the values of regional integration, technological innovation, corporate responsibility and social and environmental sustainability. Founded in 1959, Alacero is formed by 52 companies of 25 countries, whose production –of about 70 million annual tons- represents 95% of the steel manufactured in Latin America. Alacero is a Special Consulting Organization to the United Nations and is recognized as International Non-Government Organization by the Republic of Chile, host country of Alacero´s headquarters.