Usiminas, Brazil's largest flat steel producer, reported growth in both steel sales and production in the third quarter. Steel sales reached 1.13 million tons, marking a 10% year-on-year increase and an 8% rise from the previous quarter.

Domestic sales hit 1.07 million tons, up 15% from the same period last year and 10% quarter-over-quarter, aligning with Aço Brasil’s industry data. However, exports fell to 56,000 tons, a 37% year-on-year and 17% quarter-on-quarter decrease.

Usiminas’ crude steel production in Q3 totaled 873,000 tons, reflecting a 7% increase from the previous quarter. The company’s Ipatinga plant, following the 2023 overhaul of its No. 3 blast furnace, reached its highest production levels since 2020 and achieved other efficiency improvements.

Combined production at the Ipatinga and Cubatao plants grew by 11% year-on-year to 1.15 million tons, also representing an 8% increase from the prior quarter.