Sales of flat steel products by the Brazilian distributors have reached 249,400 mt in December against 296,800 mt in November, according to the sector institute, INDA.
On a comparative basis, acquisitions by the distributors chain linked to INDA declined by 4.5 percent to 282,200 mt, while the level of inventories increased by 3.3 percent to 1.014 million mt, reaching the equivalent to 4.1 months of consumption, a level considered as “not comfortable” by the sector, although derived from acquisitions made in advance to avoid the higher prices established by the local steel producers for January 2025.
Imports in December declined from November by 40.1 percent, reaching 123,500 mt, including heavy plates, HRC, CRC, zinc coated, HDG, pre-painted, and Galvalume.
The sharp decline of imports reflects the devaluation of the BRL against the USD, as importers are postponing clearing customs procedures in the hope of a more favorable exchange rate in the future.
In comparison to December 2023, sales declined by 5.4 percent, acquisitions increased by 3.1 percent, and imports declined by 55.4 percent.
For January 2025, expectations by INDA are for acquisitions and sales to increase by 15.0 percent from December.