Steel imports fall for the second consecutive month after seven increases

In September 2025, compared with the same period in 2024, Brazilian steel imports fell 31.9% to 446 thousand tonnes, according to data from the Brazilian Steel Institute (IABr) released on Thursday (16). Of this total, 410 thousand tonnes were rolled products (down 14.6%) and 36 thousand tonnes were semi-finished products for sale (down 79.4%).

This marked the second consecutive monthly decline after seven straight increases. In August, imports had already fallen 24% year on year. The IABr did not comment on specific factors behind the declines.

Despite the recent drops, imports from January to September 2025 were up 9.7% compared with the same period last year, totaling 5.1 million tonnes — 4.5 million tonnes of rolled steel (up 25.8%) and 600 thousand tonnes of semi-finished steel (down 41.2%).

The accumulated import volume was the highest for the period since 2013, when Aço Brasil began its historical series. The institute forecasts that rolled steel imports alone will reach 5.3 million tonnes this year, an increase of 11.2%.

Brazilian steelmakers have urged the federal government to implement new trade defense measures, citing unfair competition from some countries, particularly China. They argue that the current tariff quota policy has been ineffective, leading to job cuts and reduced investment in the sector.

China’s share grows, South Korea’s imports surge
Steel imports from China rose 23.3% year on year in September and 25.9% in the year to date. China’s share of Brazilian imports increased in both comparisons — 59.1% in September and 61.1% for the year.

South Korea, Brazil’s second-largest supplier, also expanded its share. In September, South Korea accounted for 15% of Brazil’s steel imports, a 377.9% increase in export volume. Year to date, the country represented 11.5% of Brazil’s steel imports, up 226.7% from the previous year.

Crude steel production declines in Brazil and Minas Gerais
Brazil’s crude steel production in September fell 3.2% year on year to 2.8 million tonnes. The state of Minas Gerais accounted for 31% of total output (868 thousand tonnes) but also saw a 2.1% decline.

From January to September 2025, Brazil produced 25 million tonnes, while Minas Gerais produced 7.6 million tonnes — 30.5% of the national total. Both figures were lower than in the same period last year, down 1.7% and 1%, respectively.

Steel exports rise
According to Aço Brasil, Brazilian steel exports reached 786 thousand tonnes in September and 7.8 million tonnes from January to September. Compared with the same periods in 2024, exports rose 11.6% and 2.6%, respectively.

Domestic steel sales fell 0.6% in September to 1.9 million tonnes, but grew 0.5% year to date to 16.1 million tonnes. Apparent consumption totaled 2.3 million tonnes in September (down 5%) and 20.4 million tonnes year to date (up 4.1%), supported by higher import volumes.

Source: Diário do Comércio

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