As of February 11, the 445,469 metric tons (mt) of quotas of steel products allowed for import at regular steel import rates had a total utilization of 83 percent, against 76 percent on January 14, according to the Brazilian foreign trade authority, Siscomex.
Such quotas were approved on 24 October and are valid for utilization until 23 February 2026, meaning that the final rate of utilization should not show wide differences from February 11.
The utilization by product was as follows:
· Plates in coils: 12 percent from 1,284 mt, unchanged in three months.
· HRC: 42 percent from 36,120 mt, against 41 percent previously.
· CRC: 73 percent from 84,203 mt, against 68 percent previously.
· Zinc Coated: 95 percent from 144,285 mt, against 84 percent previously.
· Galvalume: 95 percent from 147,038 mt, against 91 percent previously
· Wire rod: 70 percent from 32,534 mt, unchanged
Volumes exceeding the quotas will be subject to a 25 percent import tariff, but with the recent decision by Brazil's top inter-ministerial body, Camara de Comercio Exterior (CAMEX) to impose antidumping duties on CRC and coated flat products imported from China, it is most likely that import quotas for the next period will not cover relevant volumes.
