06/03/26
Brazilian steel slab exports double in February
Brazilian steel slab exports double in February
Sao Paulo, 6 March (Argus) — Brazilian steel slab exports more than doubled in
February, led by gains in shipments to the US and EU, reflecting Brazil's
advantage under the EU bloc's low-emissions policy. Total slab exports rose to
835,327 metric tonnes (t) last month, up from 384,170t a year earlier, customs
data showed. Shipments increased to nearly all current destination markets in
the Americas and Europe. Exports to EU member states surged to 210,000t, up from
50t a year earlier. Demand for Brazilian slab in Europe rose, underpinned by the
country's relatively low default emissions values under the EU's Carbon Border
Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Production issues at European mills also supported
the increase, as they turned to South American subsidiaries to cover supply
gaps. Italy was the only EU country to import Brazilian slab in February 2025,
but this year trade resumed with four other member states. France ranked as the
primary EU destination with 73,171t, while Brazilian mills shipped 60,647t to
Spain, according to customs data. The US remained the largest buyer of Brazilian
slab, as shipments to the country rose by 54pc to 536,940t compared with
348,595t the year prior. Demand for imported slab held firm despite 50pc tariffs
on steel imports, as elevated downstream steel prices continued to offset higher
import costs. Tight domestic supply, with several US mills facing production
constraints, has supported prices and sustained import demand, sources said.
Part of the surge in US imports in February may reflect shipments that were
delayed in January, when exports to the US had virtually dried up. Shipments to
other Latin American countries also increased as the region extended safeguard
measures against Asian producers. Brazil exported 19,981t to Colombia, up from
zero a year before. A Brazilian steelmaker increased exports to its own rolling
mill in Mexico to 46,571t from nil a year earlier. By Isabel Filgueiras and
Aaron May Brazilian slab exports t Country Feb 2026 Feb 2025 Difference ±% US
536,940 348,595 188,345 54.0 France 73,171 0 73,171 100.0 Spain 60,647 0 60,647
100.0 Mexico 46,571 0 46,571 100.0 Poland 40,514 0 40,514 100.0 Germany 28,832 0
28,832 100.0 Peru 20,325 8,954 11,371 127.0 Total 835,327 384,170 451,157 117.4
Brazil's ministry of development, industry and foreign trade data compiled by
Global Trade Tracker Send comments and request more information at
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