The apparent consumption of galvanized sheet (HDG) in Mexico registered its second consecutive increase and in July increased 15.0 percent, year-over-year, to 392,000 metric tons (mt). The percentage increase and volume are the highest in at least so far this year, according to data from the Mexican Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero) reviewed by SteelOrbis.
For the fourth consecutive month, HDG is the second most consumed steel product in Mexico, only surpassed by hot rolled coils (HRC) in that period.
Production increased 7.1 percent, year-over-year, in July to 273,000 mt, the fourth consecutive annual increase and the fifth in the first seven months of the year. In July, HDG production ranked as the second most important in Mexico, only surpassed by rebar.
Domestic HDG production contributed 69.6 percent of total consumption, 5.1 percentage points less than in July last year.
The flow of HDG international trade in July decreased 9.6 percent or 18,000 mt to total 170,000 mt. Exports decreased 51.0 percent, year-over-year, totaling 25,000 mt. Imports increased 5.8 percent to 145,000 mt.
In the accumulated seven months, to July, consumption increased 4.6 percent to 2.56 million mt, while production increased 3.3 percent to 1.91 million mt. HDG trade flow decreased 11.4 percent to 1.15 million mt. Imports decreased 5.0 percent to 896,000 mt and exports decreased 28.5 percent to 251,000 mt.