In January 2017, the total exports of steel from China to the world -including finished (long steel, flat steel and seamless pipes) and steel-derivatives products (wire products and welded tubes)- decreased 24% versus Jananuary 2016, reaching 7.2 million tons (Mt). Of this volume, 6.6 Mt were finished steel and 551 thousands (thous) tons were steel-derivatives products.

For its part, Latin America accounted for 11.4% of total global exports, increasing its participation in 5.0 percentage points versus January 2016 (6.4%) and standing at third place as China’s preferred destination. The region is preceded by South Korea (1.1 Mt, 16.1% of the global total) and Vietnam (922 thous tons, 12.8% of the total).

In January 2017, China shipped 822 thous tons of steel to Latin America, which 749 thous tons were finished steel and 73 thous tons were steel-derivatives products. This volume is 35% higher than the 609 thous (546 thous tons of finished products and 63 thous tons of steel-derivatives products) recorded in January 2016 and 29% more than December 2016, reached 636 thous tons of steel (555 thous tons of finished and 81 thous tons of steel-derivatives products)

It is noted that 73 thous tons of steel-derivatives, Latin America is the main global destination , representing 13% of the total. 1The region is followed by the South Korea (42 thous tons, 7.6% of the total) and India (35 thous tons, 6.4% of the total).

Finished steel imports from China by destination

The main destinations for Chinese steel (finished + steel-derivatives) in Latin American during January 2017 were Central America which received 173 thous tons (21% of the region); Chile, 156 thous tons (19%); and Peru, 107 thous tons (13%).

In the first month of the year, the countries that increased their imports of Chinese steel (in percentage terms) versus January 2016 were Central America (+81%), Perú (64%), Ecuador (+46%), Brasil (+38%) y Chile (+28%).

On the other hand, the countries that have reduce their imports of Chinese steel products versus January 2016 were: Venezuela (-46%), Colombia (16%) and Mexico (-10%). . Currently they have shares of 3%, 8% y 6%, respectively.

Imports from China by products

Finished flat were the products more imported by Latin America from China during January 2017, reaching 518 thous tons (63% of total). The most relevant products in terms of volume were:

> Other alloyed steel sheets and coils (162 thous tons, 31% share of flat steel imported from China)

> Hot dip galvanized sheet (120 thous tons, 23%)

> Cold rolled coil (73 thous tons, 14%)

Long steel: China exported to Latin America 211 thous tons (26% of the total), mainly concentrated in:

> Wire rod (92 thous tons, 44% share of long steels)

> Bars (89 thous tons, 42% )

The region received 20 thous tons of seamless pipes (2% of the total).

Meanwhile, steel-derivate products represent 9% of total imports of Chinese steel in the region, with a volume of 720 thous tons, where:

> Welded tubes (61 thous tons)

> Wire (12 thous tons)

Source: Latin American Steel Association