Brazil exported 12,400 mt of hot-dipped galvanized products (HDG) during February, while the country imported 99,600 mt of HDG, against 37,500 mt and 24,900 mt , respectively, one month prior, according to Secex, the country`s foreign trade secretariat of the ministry of development, industry and foreign trade.
Exports dropped sharply because there were no shipments to the US during February, compared with 30,900 mt sent in January, Secex said.
On the other hand, the sharp increase of imports reflects anticipation of customs clearance of Chinese material, to circumvent the heavy anti-dumping duties applied by the local authorities on imports of coated flat products from China.
The exports for February were all destined to South American countries, shipped by ArcelorMittal (8,500 mt at $1,436mt) and Usiminas (3,900 mt at $1,173mt), FOB conditions.
The imports came from China (94,400 mt at $577mt), South Korea (2,200 mt at $972mt), Egypt (1,300 mt at $799mt), Europe (1,000 mt at $935mt) and Vietnam (700 mt at $654mt).
The rise in imports shows efforts to clear Chinese materials before local anti-dumping duties take effect on coated flat products from China.
