Alacero Warns China's Industrial Growth Threatens Latin America

The Latin American Steel Association has classified Chinese industrial expansion as a direct threat to the competitiveness of Latin America. The president of the entity, Máximo Vedoya, stated that the Chinese export model harms local production and jobs.

Data presented during the Alacero Summit 2026 shows that China's share of global manufacturing jumped from 3% to 35%. Projections suggest this dominance will reach 45% by 2035, driven by a trade surplus exceeding one trillion dollars.

The regional steel sector faces difficulties due to high dependence on foreign products. Between January and August 2026, imports accounted for 43.5% of steel consumption in Latin America, reaching the highest level in the historical series.

Local production grew by only 1.7% in the same period, while apparent consumption rose 3.1%. The Chinese advance is also expanding into automakers and other industrial segments with higher added value in the region.

Vedoya advocates for a coordinated response from Latin American countries to balance international competition. The executive highlighted that the region possesses competitive advantages, such as abundant mineral resources and renewable energy sources.