The Brazilian Steel Institute reported Thursday that Brazilian steelmakers produced 2.69 million metric tons (mt) of crude steel in December 2011, which is a 10.7 percent increase from December 2010. For the year, Brazilian steelmakers produced a total of 35.2 million tons of crude steel, up 6.8 percent from 2010's total of 32.9 million tons. Domestic sales increased 11 percent in December to 1.56 million tons. Sales were also up 3.4 percent from December 2010.
On the other hand, exports in Brazil decreased by 15 percent to 930,900 mt compared to December 2010. Imports also fell, decreasing by 18 percent to 355,700 mt. Imports for the year were down 36 percent to 3.78 million tons.