For 2020, Honduras was the largest importer of iron and steel sheets in the Central American region with $198 million, it is noted that the main seller was China with 46.15% of the market, equivalent to $330.5 million, being the country with the highest growth in sales.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
During the first quarter of 2020, imports of iron and steel sheets in the countries of the region totaled $208 million, 7% less than what was reported for the same period in 2019, a fall that is explained by the decrease in purchases in Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
In response to the authorities' consultation on the request for a safeguard measure on the import of steel products, the builders are opposed on the grounds that this would make materials more expensive, in addition to making their production inefficient.
During the first half of 2019, imports of iron and steel sheets in the countries of the region totaled $446 million, and purchases from companies in Mexico increased by 24% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics"]
In the first nine months of 2018, purchases of iron and steel sheets in the countries of the region totaled $718 million, 9% more than in the same period in 2017.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
In Costa Rica, the government's decision to reject ArcelorMittal's request to raise the import tax on steel rods generated such a conflict that the company assured that "it has no incentive to keep its production in the country."
After concluding its investigation, the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) decided to reject the request of the manufacturer ArcelorMittal to apply a safeguard measure on imports of alloy and non-alloy steel rods.
In the first half of the year, iron and steel sheet purchases in the countries of the region totaled $525 million, 2% more than imports in the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system on the Iron and Steel Sheet Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
Since November 1st, the Honduran government decided to reduce from 35% to 25% the import tariffs for steel sheets and other related products.
According to businessmen in the sector, the action taken by the authorities seeks to ensure the supply of steel sheets and other similar products at national level, as well as ensuring product price stability.
In Costa Rica, importing companies are against the ArcelorMittal proposal, which consists of raising the steel rod income tax from 1% to 15%.
On November 5th, a public audience was held in which importing companies and ArcelorMittal presented their arguments before the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) regarding the proposal to raise the import tariff on steel rod by 14%.
In the first quarter of the year, purchases of iron and steel sheets in countries in the region totaled $270 million, 23% more than the amount imported in the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system on the Iron and Steel Sheet Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
After 2013, 2015 and 2016 saw declines in imports of iron sheets, last year purchases abroad grew by 54%, exceeding $922 million.
Figures from the information system on the Iron and Steel Sheet Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
ArcelorMittal has requested the restoration of a 15% import duty on steel rods, arguing that "the vast majority of these imports enter the country without paying taxes, taking advantage of a legal loophole".
After thereaction from the construction sector,the steel rod manufacturer in Costa Rica, ArcelorMittal, justified its decision to request an investigation from the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) to decide if it will impose a safeguard measure and impose a 15% tariff on imports of the product.
In 2016, imports of iron and steel sheets totaled $124 million, and the value imported from Guatemala grew by 58% with respect to 2015.
Figures from the information system on the Market for Iron and Steel Sheets in Honduras, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]