China reports higher steel exports to LatAm

Latin America's steel imports from China increased 1% year-on-year in January-August to 5.0Mt, according to regional steel association Alacero.

The Latin American share of China's steel exports in the first eight months was 9.5%, compared with 6.6% in the same period of last year. South Korea and Vietnam remained the largest importers of Chinese steel.

During the January-August period, Central America imported 1.0Mt of Chinese steel, followed by Chile with 916,000t and Peru with 698,000t, according to Alacero.

Cuba, Venezuela and Paraguay reported the largest percentage decreases in imports from the Asian nation.

The association said approximately 67% of steel imports from China were flat products, 18% long products and 4% seamless steel tubes, with 11% being steel derivatives.

Alacero has expressed concerns over the threat local players face from Chinese imports and it has also called on lawmakers in the region to protect the industry against unfair practices.