Mexico eliminates tariffs on Japanese steel to boost local industry

By making these materials more accessible and affordable, Mexican industries are expected to become more competitive.

Esmark Steel International, which initiated operations in Mexico in September 2023, is planning to significantly increase its imports of Japanese steel. Esmark specializes in distributing various steel products and provides additional services such as cutting, slitting, and logistics to cater to specific industry needs. This move is aimed at addressing the demand for specialized steels that are not produced locally. The regulatory change is also anticipated to benefit other major steelmakers in the region, such as Ternium, ArcelorMittal, and SDI in Texas, by reducing their material costs and enhancing their competitive edge in the market.

Despite these enhancements, the market still has a significant demand for the types of steel previously produced by AHMSA (Altos Hornos de México, S.A.). To meet this ongoing demand, Esmark has committed to importing 65,000 tons of Japanese steel to the northeastern region of Coahuila, ensuring the local industries are well-supplied both now and in the future.