Brazilian flat distributor steel sales in May fell 22 percent, year-on-year, but rose 26.4 percent, month-on-month, to 209,800 mt, according to a report this week from Brazilian steel distributor association Inda.
The month-on-month increase indicates the Brazilian flats steel sector might see a recovery ahead, following the first months of Covid-19.
Purchases of flat steel products by distributors in May dropped 19.3 percent, year-on-year, but increased 10.8 percent, month-on-month, to 198,500 mt.
Flat steel inventory in May decreased 1.3 percent, month-on-month, to 848,800 mt, while inventory turnover fell to 4 months, from 5.2 months in April.
Distributors’ flat steel imports in May diminished 41 percent, year-on-year, but grew 32 percent, month-on-month, to 74,800 mt.
Inda forecasted both the purchases and sales of flat steel products by distributors in June to increase 18 percent, month-on-month.