Brazil’s crude steel production drops in June and year-to-date

The Brazilian Steel Institute (IABr) reported Tuesday that Brazilian steelmakers produced 2.7 million metric tons (mt) or crude steel in June, compared to 3 million tons in June 2011. Year-to-date, Brazil has produced 17.4 million tons, down about 2.5 percent over the January-June period last year. Meanwhile, steel product sales increased 5.5 percent to 1.9 million mt domestically in June.