Argentina saw its rolled steel production fall year-on-year in January. As a result of falling demand, large producers announced output reductions and gave vacations to their workforce. The country`s crude steel output however moved up compared to the same period in 2018, according to data from the local steel association Cámara Argentina de Acero (CAA), monitored by Kallanish.

In January, domestic public construction activity and the automotive and agro-machinery sectors continued to show a deceleration compared to previous months. Domestic shipments for the oil and gas industry continued at a normal rate, but exports were significantly lower y-o-y during the period.

Hot rolled steel production amounted to almost 302,400 tonnes in January or -20.3% down y-o-y. This volume nevertheless is 6.6% more month-on-month. Cold rolled flats output was also lower in the first month. It fell by -38.9% on-year and -11.7% compared to December 2018, CAA data show.

Crude steel output reached 370,900t in January. This was 7.9% higher y-o-y and 4.2% more compared to December 2018.

Argentina has begun 2019 by producing only 250,100t of iron ore. This volume was -23.8% less compared to the same period of last year, and -24% down m-o-m, CAA confirms.