Argentina: Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Market 2025

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Market Size in Argentina

In 2021, the Argentinian hot-rolled free-cutting steel market increased by 1.4% to $X, rising for the fourth consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, consumption enjoyed a prominent expansion. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Production in Argentina

In value terms, hot-rolled free-cutting steel production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production saw a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 11%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Exports

Exports from Argentina

Hot-rolled free-cutting steel exports from Argentina fell to X tons in 2021, shrinking by -6.5% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports saw a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 88%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, hot-rolled free-cutting steel exports expanded remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 82%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil (X tons) was the main destination for hot-rolled free-cutting steel exports from Argentina, accounting for a 73% share of total exports. Moreover, hot-rolled free-cutting steel exports to Brazil exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the United States (X tons), threefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Brazil amounted to -14.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (+61.7% per year) and Bolivia (+2.1% per year).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the key foreign market for hot-rolled bars in free-cutting steels exports from Argentina, comprising 74% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United States ($X), with a 25% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Brazil amounted to -15.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United States (+60.4% per year) and Bolivia (-2.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average hot-rolled free-cutting steel export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 22% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a slight curtailment. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Bolivia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (-0.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Imports

Imports into Argentina

In 2021, supplies from abroad of hot-rolled bars in free-cutting steels increased by 19% to X tons, rising for the fifth consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports posted significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 411%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, hot-rolled free-cutting steel imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 465%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Germany (X tons), India (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main suppliers of hot-rolled free-cutting steel imports to Argentina, with a combined 53% share of total imports. Brazil and the United States lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 4.2%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of +40.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest hot-rolled free-cutting steel suppliers to Argentina were Germany ($X), India ($X) and China ($X), together accounting for 51% of total imports. These countries were followed by Brazil and the United States, which together accounted for a further 7%.

In terms of the main suppliers, Brazil, with a CAGR of +37.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average hot-rolled free-cutting steel import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 3.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a mild contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 29%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the price for India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+27.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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