Brazil's stainless steel consumption up in 2006

Data released by Brazil's stainless steel development association Núcleo Inox show that the country's stainless steel consumption increased 18.8 percent year on year to 268,072 tons in 2006. Per capita usage of specialty steel in 2006 rose 18 percent to 1.44 kg, from 1.22 kg reported the year before. Meanwhile, Brazil's 2007 usage could expand by some eight percent compared to 2006. Sectors such as civil construction, in addition to the sugar, ethanol and food industries, are the main consumers.