• Skip to main content

    CRU

    CRU: Usiminas may reduce capex unless government strengthens protection

    Written by CRU Group


    Brazilian sheet steel producer Usiminas is likely to revise downwards its plan to invest around BRL1.5 billion ($264 million) in the country this year if the government does not adopt tougher trade defence measures, said CEO Marcelo Chara.

    “The lack of effective measures to create fair competition, amid a surge in subsidized imports, is the main threat to the sustainability of Brazil’s steel industry and its value chain,” he was quoted as saying by the Valor Economico financial newspaper.

    Latest in CRU

    CRU: HR coil futures re-price 2027 forward curve

    CME Group’s hot-rolled coil futures have jumped higher as the loss of a reheating line at a large Southern mill have renewed domestic production issues. At market close on Oct. 12, the Q4'26 futures are now pricing in $1,295 per short ton (st) for HR coil, a month-over-month (m/m) increase of $63/st. For 2027, the forward curve is up $80 /st vs. September, at $1,207/st. For November 2026 through March 2027, prices are at an average just above $1,300/st.