According to Brazilian Steel Institution (IBS) president Flávio Roberto Azevedo, the steel industry in Brazil has been seriously affected by cheap steel product imports since the cancellation of the import tax of 16 percent in 2005.
In his comments on the issue, Mr. Azevedo said, "The IBS is urging the Brazilian government to reimpose the import duty on steel products."
As SteelOrbis previously reported, Brazilian crude steel production in April fell to 1.7 million mt down by 0.1 percent compared to the previous month, and down by 41.4 percent compared to April 2008.
On the import side, Brazil's steel imports reached 136,400 mt in April, and 710,800 mt in Q1. The Q1 import figure represents a 2.3 percent increase year on year.
Mr. Azevedo added that both Brazilian steel output and sales increased in April, marking a sign of recovery.