The Latin American Steel Association (ALACERO) is concerned about the historic crisis of global steel overcapacity, and Latin America is being severely affected. In 2024, Latin American steel production represents only 3% of the world’s total; meanwhile, 40% of the region’s apparent steel consumption comes from imports, primarily from China. This downward trend has continued for the past 20 years.
Ezequiel Tavernelli, ALACERO’s executive director, criticized the fact that between 2010 and 2023, the global governments implemented 703 trade defense measures, but Latin America registered just 79, while only 40 were directed against China and Southeast Asia countries.
Faced with this scenario, the executive director urges Latin America to urgently take a coordinated and ambitious industrial policy. Regional governments must act more quickly and decisively, implementing measures that level the playing field and protect the regional steel industry from unfair practices.