Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Latin American Steelmakers Press for Coordinated Trade Measures as Chinese Imports Undercut Output

Leaders say plants are running far below viable capacity, threatening jobs.

Overview

  • Alacero reports regional crude‑steel output contracted about 2.4%, with 56.8 million tonnes produced in 2024.
  • Executives say mills in Argentina and Brazil are operating near 60–70% of capacity, below the roughly 80% level needed for viability.
  • Industry leaders urge faster antidumping actions, targeted tariffs and technical‑rule reviews with coordination at the Mercosur level.
  • The United States and European Union have tightened barriers on Chinese steel, while Latin America remains comparatively open to low‑priced imports.
  • Speakers warn global idle capacity could reach roughly 700–721 million tonnes by 2027 and note weak regional demand reflected in IMF growth forecasts.