ArcelorMittal Shuts Down Blast Furnace at Lazaro Cardenas Plant

Luxembourg-based steel leading company ArcelorMittal announced it has temporarily shut down its blast furnace in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan. This move entails the provisional suspension of all long steel production at its facility.

ArcelorMittal stated that the measure was taken following a series of events that led to critical failures in the boilers that sustain the air blast required for the furnace's operation. According to the company, these failures compromised the safe operation of the facilities. "We are aware that this decision presents significant operational and logistical challenges, but the safety and well-being of our employees will continue to be our absolute priority,” the company stated in its press release.

ArcelorMittal notes that the shutdown occurs in a complex environment for the Mexican steel industry, which it says is facing pressures from US import tariffs and a sustained decline in international steel prices. The company affirmed its commitment to safe operations and stated it is working to restore the necessary technical conditions to resume production.