Brazilian distributors saw a notable uptick in flat steel sales in May 2025, reaching 328,900 metric tons, up from 317,300 tons in April, according to figures from the National Institute of Steel Distributors (INDA). Acquisitions climbed 6.1% month-on-month to 339,500 tons, while inventory levels rose modestly by 1% to 1.072 million tons, equal to 3.3 months of supply—a duration still viewed as inadequate by the sector.

Flat steel imports surged 41.5% from April, hitting 417,900 tons. The increase covered a wide range of products, including heavy plates, hot-rolled and cold-rolled coils (HRC and CRC), galvanized, pre-painted, and Galvalume steel. Year-on-year, sales rose by 4.2%, acquisitions by 8.1%, and imports by a staggering 71.5%, reflecting heightened activity in the domestic market and a response to shifting currency dynamics.

INDA projects a further 4% rise in both sales and acquisitions in June. According to INDA President Carlos Loureiro, roughly one million tons of finished steel are either awaiting customs clearance in Brazilian ports or en route by sea. He attributed fluctuations in reported import volumes to strategic customs clearance decisions based on daily currency exchange rates.