SAN DIEGO (Scrap Monster) : The imports of manufactured goods with heavy steel content from China rose significantly during the initial six-month period of the year.

According to recently released data, the exports of manufactured goods with significant steel content to Latin American countries from China totaled $20.8 million during the first half of the year. The indirect trade has remained almost at the same levels when compared to the previous year. The exports to Latin American countries constituted 7% of the total Chinese exports.

Among the Latin American countries, Brazil topped with total imports worth $5.3 million, followed by Mexico with $4.4 million. The Brazilian imports of manufactured goods with heavy steel content constituted one-fourth of the total Latin American imports. The imports by Mexico accounted for 21% of the total Latin American imports.

Upon comparison with the initial six months during 2012, the imports of manufactures goods with significant steel content by Argentina has surged 41% and that by Peru also saw considerable rise of 31%. The imports by Brazil however dropped by 4% year-on-year. The Mexican imports rose by nearly 5% over the previous year.

According to statistics, the most imported manufactured good with heavy steel content from China were cars and commercial vehicles. The total imports of cars and commercial vehicles amounted to $3.3 million during the period from January to June this year. The next in demand were office machines which accounted for $3.2 million and equipment and machinery which accounted for $2.6 million. The above three categories have constituted almost 50% of the indirect trade from China to the Latin American region.

Author: Paul Ploumis