Paraguay imported 2,978 mt of its two most-popular long steel products in May, down 43% from 5,226 mt a year earlier and 9% lower than April's 3,273 mt, central bank data showed Friday.
The most in-demand products last month were rebar and wire rod.
Brazil accounted for 1,681 mt of all long products imported by Paraguay in May, followed by Argentina with 768 mt. Chile was responsible for 528 mt during the period.
Paraguay imported 2,122 mt of rebar valued at $1.16 million FOB, or $547/mt, in May, down 44.6% from 3,832 mt in May 2016 at $2.45 million, or $641/mt. Brazil accounted for 1,629 mt of the total.
On a month-on-month basis, rebar imports fell 21% from 2,686 mt of rebar valued at $1.46 million FOB, or $547/mt, in April.
Wire rod imports during May dropped 38.6% to 856 mt, valued at $500,073 FOB, or $583/mt, from 1,394 mt a year earlier at $722,060 FOB, or $517/mt. Chile accounted for 528 mt of the total.
On a month-on-month basis, wire rod imports increased 45.8% from 587 mt, valued at $352,252 FOB, or $599/mt.
