Latin American steelmaker Ternium is considering filing additional anti-dumping cases in Mexico to counter rising steel imports, particularly from Asia, as trade tensions continue to complicate broader negotiations with the United States. Chief Executive Maximo Vedoya told Reuters that the company would “very likely” pursue further cases following its support for recent petitions against imported steel. Ternium is seeking to replace foreign supplies with domestic production while preparing to expand its manufacturing capacity in Mexico.
Steel has emerged as a key issue in trade discussions between Mexico, the United States and Canada ahead of the review of their trilateral trade agreement. Vedoya said strengthening rules of origin and reducing the impact of US Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium were more important priorities for North American trade. Although Ternium has reduced its direct exposure to US tariffs by cutting exports from Mexico to the United States, it is increasingly focused on gaining domestic market share from imported flat steel, particularly from Asian suppliers.
The company’s major slab mill project in Pesqueria, near Monterrey, is expected to begin production in February 2027, although full benefits will take time as specialised products require certification and production ramp-up. Ternium expects the project’s main financial gains to become visible in 2028, potentially improving margins by $50 to $100 per tonne through the use of locally produced slab. Meanwhile, the company is also prioritising productivity improvements at Brazilian steelmaker Usiminas, in which Ternium and its partners control nearly 93% of the stake. Vedoya said improving operational efficiency remains the company’s primary focus at Usiminas.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
