Grupo DeAcero, a prominent player in Mexico’s steel industry, has enthusiastically endorsed the United States’ imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports not melted or poured in Mexico or Canada. CEO Raúl Gutiérrez Muguerza described the move as pivotal for enhancing market integration across North America, speaking at a press conference in Mexico City.
The recent US tariffs, which impose a 25% duty on steel imports not processed within Mexico or Canada, have been hailed by Gutiérrez as a crucial step to mitigate the influx of foreign steel that undermines local competitiveness. He emphasized that curbing such imports will enable Mexican companies to reinvest profits into expanding domestic production, potentially reducing Mexico's reliance on imported steel, which currently accounts for approximately 35% of the nation's total consumption.
In light of the tariff agreement, Grupo DeAcero is poised to capitalize on growth opportunities, with plans to enhance its production capacity and operational efficiency. Currently operating at around 70% utilization, the company aims to ramp up to 85-90%, leveraging the tariff-induced market dynamics to bolster its market position.
Highlighting its commitment to expansion, Grupo DeAcero is progressing with its US$1 billion investment in a new steelworks facility in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila state. Set to commence production by late 2026, the facility will specialize in manufacturing large profiles and beams, generating substantial employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases.
According to Gutiérrez, the new steel mill project aligns with Grupo DeAcero's strategic objectives to consolidate its leadership in Mexico's construction steel sector. The facility's construction phase alone is expected to create around 2,000 jobs, with an additional 700 positions upon operationalization, along with numerous indirect employment opportunities.
Moreover, Grupo DeAcero is concurrently focusing on enhancing its industrial intelligence capabilities to augment production capacity from the current 3.7 million metric tons (Mt) to nearly 5 Mt of finished products. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to innovation and efficiency, aimed at delivering greater value to its clients across the construction and infrastructure sectors.
As a former head of Mexico's steel industry chamber Canacero, Gutiérrez emphasized that engineering solutions and industrial intelligence are pivotal in streamlining operations, reducing waste, and enhancing overall productivity. This approach not only positions Grupo DeAcero as a preferred supplier in Mexico but also reinforces its competitiveness in the broader North American market.
