MERCOSUR: Market for Iron and Steel Wire 2025

Market Size for Iron and Steel Wire in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR iron and steel wire market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2021, after two years of decline. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Iron and Steel Wire in MERCOSUR

In value terms, iron and steel wire production rose markedly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, faced a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Iron and Steel Wire

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, shipments abroad of iron and steel wire decreased by -10.4% to X tons, falling for the fourth year in a row after three years of growth. In general, exports showed a noticeable decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 12%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, iron and steel wire exports expanded markedly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a perceptible decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 14%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Brazil dominates exports structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 83% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Peru (X tons), generating a 9.6% share of total exports. The following exporters - Ecuador (X tons) and Chile (X tons) - together made up 6.3% of total exports.

Brazil experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of iron and steel wire. At the same time, Peru (+1.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Peru emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +1.1% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Ecuador (-9.6%) and Chile (-17.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Brazil (+27 p.p.) and Peru (+3.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Ecuador (-3.1 p.p.) and Chile (-5.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest iron and steel wire supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Peru ($X), with an 8% share of total exports. It was followed by Ecuador, with a 4.2% share.

In Brazil, iron and steel wire exports remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Peru (-0.4% per year) and Ecuador (-8.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 23% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 24%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, major exporting countries recorded the following prices: in Brazil ($X per ton) and Ecuador ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) and Chile ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ecuador (+1.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Iron and Steel Wire

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the amount of iron and steel wire imported in MERCOSUR soared to X tons, with an increase of 75% compared with the previous year. Total imports indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, iron and steel wire imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a noticeable expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Brazil was the largest importing country with an import of about X tons, which reached 54% of total imports. Argentina (X tons) took a 12% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Chile (11%), Colombia (9.3%) and Paraguay (6%). Peru (X tons) and Ecuador (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

Imports into Brazil increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Colombia (+8.2%), Chile (+5.6%), Argentina (+4.4%), Ecuador (+2.5%) and Paraguay (+1.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Colombia emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +8.2% from 2012-2021. Peru experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of Colombia (+3.3 p.p.) and Chile (+2.2 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported iron and steel wire in MERCOSUR, comprising 60% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with an 11% share of total imports. It was followed by Chile, with an 11% share.

In Brazil, iron and steel wire imports expanded at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (+3.3% per year) and Chile (+6.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, rising by 20% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+1.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform