Sales of flat steel products by Brazilian distributors increased 18.4 percent to 351,900 mt in March, against 297,200 mt in February, according to INDA, the Brazilian institute of steel distributors.
On the same comparative basis, acquisitions by distributors chain linked to INDA increased by 16 percent to 354,800 mt, while inventory levels increased by 0.2 percent to 1.138 million mt, representing the equivalent of 3.2 months of consumption, comparable with 3.8 months in February, lower but still considered as a high level by the sector, as it exceeds the benchmark of 2.8 months.
Imports in March declined by 33 percent to 271,400 mt, including heavy plates, HRC, CRC, zinc-coated, HDG, pre-painted, and Galvalume products.
According to INDA President, Carlos Loureiro, with the end of previous customs clearing of Chinese CRC and flat coated products without paying the antidumping duties, imports of these products should decline sharply in April.
Compared with March 2025, sales in March 2026 increased by 6.1 percent, acquisitions increased by 7.3 percent, and imports declined by 21 percent.
INDA expects that, in April 2026, acquisitions and sales will decline by 7.5 percent, compared with March 2026.
