Brazil domestic consumption in May totaled 2.5 million tons, 64 percent more than the same period last year.

Hot rolled product consumption is shown 13 percent up, to 2 million tons month-on-month. Exports and imports sum as 650,000 tons and 495,000 tons respectively.

Local market participant concluded it as domestic prices relatively higher, thus attracting more imports.

Furthermore, Brazil domestic demand is still increasing, over demand from crude oil, gas, ship manufacturing, automotive and appliance manufacturing industries. Local steel output of May has also shown upward trend