Brazil’s steel exports reached 10.97 million tons in 2025, increasing by 14%, driven by a surge in European demand. Shipments to Europe grew to 1.38 million tons, doubling the previous year's volume as producers sought better prices away from domestic competition.

Despite a 50% US tariff implemented in June, the US remained the top buyer, taking 6.42 million tons. Meanwhile, total steel imports hit a 15-year high of 6.4 million tons, driven largely by cheap Chinese materials and strong demand in the domestic market.

This influx of low-priced steel forced local prices down, even as domestic crude steel production fell by 1.6% to 33.3 million tons. Aco Brasil said that global oversupply continues to impact trade flows and pricing.