MERCOSUR: Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Market 2024

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR hot-rolled free-cutting steel market increased by 1.8% to $X, rising for the fourth consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, consumption saw a mild decline. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, hot-rolled free-cutting steel production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 11% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in overseas shipments of hot-rolled bars in free-cutting steels, when their volume increased by 9.7% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a deep reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 145% against the previous year. The volume of export 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 skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a abrupt slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 114%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Argentina was the major exporter of hot-rolled bars in free-cutting steels in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports reaching X tons, which was near 60% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Brazil (X tons), comprising a 36% share of total exports. Peru (X tons) took a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Brazil (with a CAGR of +50.7%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Argentina ($X), Brazil ($X) and Peru ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, with a combined 99% share of total exports.

Brazil, with a CAGR of +47.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, growing by 22% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+2.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Hot-Rolled Free-Cutting Steel Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, hot-rolled free-cutting steel imports in MERCOSUR amounted to X tons, with an increase of 2.9% on the previous year. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 81%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, hot-rolled free-cutting steel imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 81% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X tons) and Peru (X tons) represented roughly 79% of total imports in 2021. Chile (X tons) took a 10% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Colombia (6.8%). Argentina (X tons) held a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Chile (with a CAGR of +51.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest hot-rolled free-cutting steel importing markets in MERCOSUR were Brazil ($X), Peru ($X) and Chile ($X), with a combined 88% share of total imports.

Chile, with a CAGR of +44.9%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 19% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Argentina ($X per ton) and Colombia ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) and Peru ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (-0.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform