BNamericas cited Mr Mauro Moreno coordinator of national aluminum association Abal's economy and statistics as saying that the demand for aluminum products in Brazil has attracted the attention of foreign producers chiefly the Chinese who are directing their output to the country while other regions are still struggling to recover from the global economic crisis.
As a result, import levels in the H1 rose significantly. In value terms, imports increased 47.8% YoY to USD 464 million in H1. In the whole year, the association expects imports to amount to USD 932 million.
Mr Moreno said that in terms of volume, Brazil imported 59,000 tonnes of manufactured aluminum products in the H1 of the year compared to 30,000 tonnes in the same period of 2009. Primary aluminum imports totaled 21,000 tonnes versus 13,000 tonnes in the comparison period.
He said that obviously, other countries have no obligation to Brazil's aluminum sector and they send their products here at prices that just cover costs. He added that when Brazil imports manufactured items it buys added value from other regions instead of generating it domestically.
Mr Moreno said that China has received large investments in its base and manufacturing industries which consequently generated a production surplus. The only alternative is to export the surplus to regions where demand is growing, such as Brazil.
He said that Brazil currently has import duties of 12% on manufactured aluminum items and 6% on primary aluminum. However, tax incentives in certain states that promote imports end up cancelling out the duties. He added that in order to implement anti-dumping measures, we need to prove that the industry is dying. When and if the measures are put in place, the industry will already be dead.
（Sourced from Business News Americas）
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