Steel Products
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/ahmsa_logo.jpg)
Blockade of AHMSA Coke Plants to Delay Production Restart
Written by Ethan Bernard
July 31, 2023
Mexican steelmaker Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA) said there could be an “indefinite” delay to the restart of production because of a blockade by activists.
The company said its steel plants in Monclova, Coahuila state, were blockaded by activists of the Sindicato Nacional Minero (National Mining Union), which represents AHMSA’s striking workers, according to a press release on Twitter from July 28.
AHMSA said it could not supply gas to maintain the temperature of the furnaces in coking plant #1 as a result of the blockade. The cooling process caused damage, the company said, “which will indefinitely delay the restart of production.”
The steelmaker added that this will result in “complicating the process of takeover by new investors.”
Recall that production has been shut down at AHMSA since December. The company announced an agreement in late February to sell the majority of its shares to a group of foreign investors to recapitalize the company. The shareholder was later revealed as credit specialist firm Argentem Creek Partners. However, uncertainty around the sale has remained, as Argentem has also asked the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas for financing for AHMSA.
A spokesman for AHMSA could not be reached for comment. A spokesperson for Argentem Creek could not be reached by time of publication.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/SMU_EB_headshot.png.jpg-150x150.png)
Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in Steel Products
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/CMC-New-Logo.png)
CMC to open rebar fabrication facility in Ohio
Longs producer and metal recycler CMC plans to open a new rebar fabrication plant in Akron, Ohio.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/steel_trade.png)
US and Mexico take action to curb ‘unfair’ trade
The US and Mexico announced measures on Wednesday to prevent tariff evasion and protect North America’s steel and aluminum industries.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/gears.png)
Final thoughts
First off, we hope everyone had a safe and happy July 4th holiday, with fireworks seen and BBQs attended. Many parts of the country are quite toasty at the moment, signaling that, yes, summer has indeed arrived. And looking at our most recent survey results, the summer doldrums have arrived as well.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Rig_count_pic_3-scaled.jpg)
Active rig counts recover in US, slip in Canada
US drill rig activity moved back up last week after drifting lower for four straight weeks. Meanwhile, Canadian counts slipped for the first time after a seven-week rally, according to the latest data from Baker Hughes.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/AISI.png)
AISI: US steel shipments up in May from April, off from 2023
Domestic steel shipments increased in May month over month but have fallen on-year.