Sales of flat steel products by Brazilian distributors reached 297,200 metric tons (mt) in February, against 293,900 mt in January, according to INDA, the Brazilian institute of the steel distributors.
On the same comparative basis, purchases by the distributors chain linked to INDA increased by 5 percent to 306,000 mt, while inventory levels increased by 0.8 percent to 1.357 million mt, representing the equivalent of 3.8 months of consumption, stable from January but still at a level considered high as a sector, as it exceeds the benchmark of 2.8 months.
Imports in February increased by 79.4 percent to 404,800 mt, including heavy plates, HRC, CRC, zinc-coated, HDG, pre-painted, and Galvalume products. Such expressive increase reflects the anticipation of customs clearing of Chinese HRC and coated flats, to avoid incurring on the antidumping duties imposed by the authorities. According to INDA, there are reports of clearing customs of material on board ships.
Compared with February 2025, sales in February 2026 declined by 7.7 percent, purchases declined by 11.6 percent, and imports increased by 91.7 percent.
INDA expects that, in March 2026, purchases and sales will increase by 15 percent, compared with February 2026 levels.