[SMM Iron & Steel] New US Tariffs Threaten Brazilian Pig Iron Exports Amid Removal from Exemption List

Published: Jun 4, 2026 14:44
US Trade Representative (USTR) removed Brazilian pig iron from its tariff exemption list, subjecting the material to a 25% import tariff. This move creates significant uncertainty for Brazilian producers, particularly in Minas Gerais, which exported 2.47 million metric tons (mt) of pig iron worth $1.01 billion to the US in 2025, and an additional 644,700 mt worth $258 million in the first four months of 2026. With the city of Sete Lagoas historically shipping 85% of its production to the US, the new tariff barrier threatens to disrupt traditional trade flows. The imposition of these duties may force Brazilian suppliers to aggressively seek alternative markets, potentially leading to an oversupply and downward price pressure in other regions, while US buyers will likely face restricted supply and higher raw material costs.

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