According to Brazilian financial service bank Banco Safra, lower imports and increased exports of steel products reinforce the positive view on the national steel sector.

Specifically, in September of this year, total exports of steel products increased by 5% compared to last year while imports decreased by 9% on the same comparison basis.

The most notable was the strong reduction in imports of long steel (-17% year-on-year), although flat steel also saw a slight reduction (-3% year-on-year).

Based on these data, Safra highlighted relatively better prospects for long steel than for flat steel.