Although Mexico holds second place in Latin America's consumption of rolled steel products, the country recorded a drop of 9 percent in consumption in 2013 compared with the prior year.

Mexico consumption of rolled steel--covering long products, flat steel, and seamless pipes--totaled 18.6 million tons in 2013, according to the report of the Latin American Steel Association (Alacero).

Regionally, the consumption of rolled steel in Latin America and the Caribbean reached a volume of 66.5 million tons, the same as in 2012. Unlike Mexico, other countries posted consumption gains, such as Brazil, where consumption grew 5 percent and exceeded the previous 26.4 million tons.