According to INDA, the Brazilian institute of steel distributors, sales of flat products by Brazilian distributors rose 18.4 percent to 351,900 tons in March from 297,200 tons in February.
On the same comparative basis, acquisitions by the INDA-linked distribution chain increased 16 percent to 354,800 tons, and inventory levels increased 0.2 percent. to 1.138 million tons, corresponding to 3.2 months of consumption, comparable to 3.8 months in February, which is lower but still considered high in the sector as it exceeds the 2.8 month benchmark.
Imports in March fell 33 percent to 271,400 tons, including heavy sheets, HRC, CRC, galvanized, HDG, pre-painted and Products Galvalume.
According to INDA President Carlos Loureiro, with the end of the previous customs clearance of Chinese CRC and flat-coated products without paying anti-dumping duties, imports of these products should decline sharply in April.
Compared with March 2025, sales in March 2026 were up 6.1 percent, purchases were up 7.3 percent, and imports were down 21 percent.
INDA expects acquisitions and sales volumes to decline 7.5 percent in April 2026 compared to March 2026.
