Author: Paul Ploumis24 Feb 2015 Last updated at 04:12:58 GMT

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): According to the recent data published by the World Steel Association, the crude steel production by South American countries increased considerably during the month of January this year. The total monthly output climbed higher by 6.8% to 3.881 Million tonnes. This is when compared with the output of 3.634 Million tonnes during the same month a year ago.

The total crude steel production by Argentina during January was 386,000 tonnes, falling by 2.8% when matched with the January 2014 production of 397,000 tonnes. Brazil produced 2.965 Million tonnes of crude steel, higher by 7.7% when compared to 2.752 Million tonnes production achieved during January 2014. The Chilean Jan ‘15 crude steel production saw an increase of 5.3% from 95,000 tonnes in January 2014 to 100,000 tonnes in Jan ’15. The total crude steel production by Colombia surged 14.9% to 100,000 tonnes in January 2015.

Ecuador’s crude steel production was slightly up year-on-year. The crude steel output by Ecuador was 50,000 tonnes during the month, 1.5% higher from 49,000 tonnes during January 2014. Paraguay’s crude steel output skyrocketed during the month. The output witnessed a surge of 340.9% from 1,000 tonnes in Jan ’14 to 5,000 tonnes in Jan ‘15.

The crude steel output by Peru went higher by 23.1% year-on-year from 93,000 tonnes to 115,000 tonnes. The crude steel output of Uruguay remained almost unchanged at 10,000 tonnes. Venezuelan production declined by 5.9% year-on-year from 159,000 tonnes to 150,000 tonnes.

Month-on-month, the region’s crude steel production increased 1.25% from 3.589 Million tonnes in Dec ’14.