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 2020, it is estimated that the average price of a ton of steel increased 19%, a rise that impacts the construction industry and is explained by the increase in logistics costs and the suspension of the extraction of the material due to the outbreak of covid-19.
Central American businessmen report that during last year, which was marked by the sanitary and economic crisis, the average price per ton of steel increased by $130, going from $670 to $800.
In the first half of 2020, Central American imports of iron and steel sheets totaled $387 million, 13% less than what was reported in the same period of 2019, a drop that is explained by the decline in purchases in all markets in the region.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
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"]
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"]
During the first quarter of 2019, imports of iron and steel sheets in the countries of the region totaled $224 million, 7% less than reported in the same period of 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAPHIC caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
During the last year, imports of iron and steel sheets in the countries of the region totaled $941 million, 13% more than in 2017, a rise explained by purchases made from companies in China.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
In Costa Rica, the National Roads Council tenders the supply of modular steel trusses in delivery mode according to demand, to be used in vehicular bridges.
Costa Rica Government Purchase 2019LN-000010-0006000001:
"The objective is to establish a contractual relationship of delivery according to demand for the supply of modular trusses that can be launched with one or two lanes.
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (Costa Rican Electricity Institute) tenders the supply of pipeline and fittings, under the modality of delivery according to demand.
Costa Rica Government Purchase 2019LA-000010-0000400001:
"Detail of some of the goods required:
-Tube (ademe smoothed), external diameter 193.67 mm, steel grade K55, weight 44.3 kg/m, for lining wells.
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"]
Arguing that they should protect the local industry from dumping, the U.S. plans to impose temporary tariffs on imports of steel, textiles and footwear.
The tariffs that would be approved through the signing of presidential decrees would be valid for six months, which would be 15% for steel products, and 25% or 30% for imports of footwear and textiles.
The National Roads Council of Costa Rica tenders the construction, supply and installation of a galvanized steel truss bridge over the Rio General, on National Route 321.
Costa Rica Government Purchase 2018LN-000003-0006000001:
"The purpose is to contract a construction company in road works, for a new two-way bridge over the Rio General at km 2.775 of National Route No.
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"]