Steel Mills

ArcelorMittal Mexico Unswayed by Trade Threats

March 6, 2018

The threats of Section 232 tariffs and the possible withdrawal of the United States from NAFTA have not swayed ArcelorMittal from its commitment to invest $1 billion in its Mexican operations.

In a statement reported on Friday, a spokesman for the integrated steelmaker said the company has no intention of changing its plans for Mexico, which include construction of a new hot strip mill at its Lazaro Cardenas unit.

Only 20 percent of the steel ArcelorMittal produces in Mexico is exported to the United States and other markets, while 80 percent is consumed locally, the company said. So, the bulk of the company’s output would be unaffected by President Trump’s proposed tariff of 25 percent on U.S. steel imports.

ArcelorMittal Mexico’s annual production will total 5.3 million metric tons when the investment program is completed over the next three years, the company said, including 2.5 million metric tons of flat rolled steel, as well as long products and slabs.