The US has imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, raising concerns in Brazil’s steel industry about a potential influx of Chinese steel into its market. Industry leaders fear that trade barriers in the US and Europe will push China to redirect its surplus production to Latin America, intensifying price competition and harming local manufacturers. 

In response, Brazil has introduced steel import quotas and a 25% tax on excess imports, though experts argue these measures have yet to curb Chinese steel inflows. 

The industry warns that continued surges in imports, up 40% from 2022 to 2023 and another 20% in 2024, threaten market stability. Meanwhile, sustainability concerns grow, with calls for stricter environmental standards amid discussions at COP30, set to be hosted in Brazil.