Mexican flat steelmaker Altos Hornos de Mexico (AHMSA) could import semi-finished products from China if the government fails in the coming months to tackle increasing imports at low prices, Kallanish learns from local press reports.

According to Vanguardia, AHMSA ceo Luis Zamudio Miechielsen says his firm could soon decide to purchase semis and roll them at its Coahuila-based operation in order to survive in the current market conditions.

The company reported a -20% on-quarter drop in revenue in the second quarter of 2015, although sales volumes were similar to Q1. The loss of around $168 million in revenue followed a -35% contraction in average product price caused by an increased imports from China, India and other Asian countries.

Representatives of major steelmaking companies, such as AHMSA, ArcelorMittal and Deacero, are working with the Mexican government to develop a series of measures aimed at regulating the increasing flow of steel imports from China (see Kallanish 31 August).