Sales of aluminium-zinc-coated coils are expected to stand out in Brazil in 2018, as demand for roof and construction materials is set to recover.
The so-called galvalume, a steel product coated with both aluminium and zinc, is being increasingly used among roof and gutter producers to supply industrial clients, large constructions and infrastructure works. Apparent consumption of galvalume in the country reached 433,900 tonnes from January through November 2017 - 224,800 tonnes of which were imports, and 209,100 tonnes of which were domestically produced, according to Brazilian flat-steel institute Inda. As a comparison, consumption of galvalume totaled 406,500 tonnes in the entirety of 2016, with 130,400 tonnes imported and 276,100 tonnes produced by local mills, Inda figures show. "Consumption of galvalume will increase by at least 12-15% next year," Inda president Carlos Loureiro said. "I believe 2018 will be the year of coated steel products," a Brazilian trader said....