Steel manufacturer Ternium reported an improvement in the Mexican steel market in the first quarter of 2026. Steel shipments in Mexico increased by 4% year-on-year, reaching 2 million tons. Ternium expects shipments in Mexico to continue improving in the second quarter, driven by commercial markets.

The company stated that several infrastructure projects will drive demand in the coming quarters. The rise in steel prices this quarter partially offset the decline in shipments.

To mitigate the impact of US tariffs on the Mexican steel industry and resist imports of low-priced products from Asia, Mexico has strengthened its tariff and trade enforcement policies to restrict imports. Recently, the government signed an agreement with Mexican steel manufacturers, including Ternium, to purchase 200,000 tons of steel for infrastructure projects.

Ternium expects its cold rolling mill and galvanizing production line at its Pesqueria project in Mexico to reach near full capacity by October. The company's slab production facilities are also progressing as expected.