Sales of flat steel products by the Brazilian distributors have reached 335,700 mt in July, 0.9 percent less than June, according to the sector institute INDA.
Under a comparative basis, acquisitions by the distributors chain decreased by 1.0 percent to 349,500 mt, while the level of inventories increased by 1.5 percent to 943,300 mt reaching the equivalent to 2.8 months of consumption, a level still considered as comfortable by the sector.
Imports in July increased from June by 3.8 percent, reaching 219,200 mt, including heavy plates, HRC, CRC, zinc coated, HDG, pre-painted, and Galvalume.
In comparison to June 2023, sales increased by 8.2 percent, acquisitions increased by 8.2 percent, and imports increased by 8.4 percent.
For August 2024, expectations by INDA are for acquisitions and sales to increase by 1.0 percent from July.
Speaking in a conference with analysts, the president of INDA, Carlos Loureiro, mentioned that ArcelorMittal announced a readjustment of their prices effective since August 15. CSN and Usiminas made similar announcements late last month.