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"]
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"]
The Honduran construction union asked the government to eliminate the safeguards on imports of steel-based products, because they assure that these measures promote monopolistic practices.
Directors of the Honduran Chamber of Construction Industry (Chico), indicated that the safeguard applied to steel sheets and rods are detrimental to the construction industry and this translates into an increase in prices.
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 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.
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"]
Arguing that dumping practices exist by China and are not competing on an equal basis, businessmen from the sector in Guatemala request the intervention of the authorities.
Through a statement from the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala (CIG), explained that in recent years, China, through its improper business practices including dumping and subsidized prices, has affected local production.
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.