Brazil’s Finished Steel Trade Gap Expands Sharply in August

Brazil’s finished carbon steel trade deficit widened significantly in August 2026 as exports fell sharply while imports remained at relatively high levels, according to data from the country’s foreign trade secretariat SECEX.

Brazil exported 76,587 mt of finished carbon steel products in August, down from 144,005 mt in July, while imports totaled 246,658 mt, compared with 253,794 mt in the previous month. Export value reached $65.16 million, while imports were valued at $184.55 million.

As a result, Brazil’s finished steel trade deficit widened to 170,071 mt, up from 109,789 mt in July. By value, the deficit increased to $119.40 million from $82.96 million.

The wider gap was mainly driven by steep declines in long steel exports, with wire rod shipments falling 80% and rebar exports dropping 72%. Meanwhile, China accounted for 23% of Brazil’s finished steel imports, up from 20% in July, though its share remained relatively low following Brazil’s antidumping measures on Chinese CRC and coated flat products.

                                                                                           VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group