Latin American crude steel output rises in April 2026, though rolled steel production remains sluggish
2026-06-30 10:32:47 [Print]
The Latin American Steel Association (Alacero) reported that crude steel production in the region increased in April of this year, while rolled steel output continued its downward trend---signaling persistent softness in downstream steel activity, even as apparent consumption registered a modest uptick.
According to the latest regional data, Latin American crude steel production totaled 4.8 million metric tons in April, marking a 5.8% year-on-year increase. Output for the January-to-April period remained relatively stable at 18.8 million metric tons. In contrast, rolled steel production fell 2.5% year on year to 4.2 million metric tons in April, and declined 1.9% to 16.9 million metric tons over the first four months of the year.
Apparent consumption of rolled steel reached 6.6 million metric tons in April, up 2.2% from the same month last year, while the cumulative figure for January through April rose by a modest 0.8%. Most steel-consuming sectors have remained weak so far this year, with the exception of automotive and construction, which posted gains of 1.9% and 2.4%, respectively.
According to the latest regional data, Latin American crude steel production totaled 4.8 million metric tons in April, marking a 5.8% year-on-year increase. Output for the January-to-April period remained relatively stable at 18.8 million metric tons. In contrast, rolled steel production fell 2.5% year on year to 4.2 million metric tons in April, and declined 1.9% to 16.9 million metric tons over the first four months of the year.
Apparent consumption of rolled steel reached 6.6 million metric tons in April, up 2.2% from the same month last year, while the cumulative figure for January through April rose by a modest 0.8%. Most steel-consuming sectors have remained weak so far this year, with the exception of automotive and construction, which posted gains of 1.9% and 2.4%, respectively.
