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“The Brazilian market has attracted the attention of various producers, which increases competition,” Brazilian aluminium producer Alumar’s spokesperson told Fastmarkets on Monday.
“Exporters worldwide are interested in coming to Brazil,” a trader source added.
A second trader agreed that sales from foreign producers have increased in the nation.
Vedanta, India’s largest aluminium producer, has been selling into the Brazilian market for some time. But now its volumes are up, according to the second trader.
Representatives from Vedanta did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
“I have been hearing a lot of rumors about Rusal’s approach, ”the second trader added, regarding Russia’s largest aluminium producer. “I heard that it had already made some sales and the cargo was about to arrive, and they would do a test [of the material].”
A third trader confirmed this. “We heard that Rusal is trying to sell here,” the trader said, “[but] I don’t expect the amount of imported material to increase much, unless the price goes down a bit.”
Representatives from Rusal did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
“Brazil didn’t export much [aluminium to the US], but other [global producers] did, so there’s an excess of material,” the third trader added.
Aluminium imports into Brazil came to 263,210 tonnes over the period January-July 2025, up from 246,832 tonnes in the corresponding period of 2024, according to Brazilian government data.
Some market participants noted the possibility of the US tariffs reshaping aluminium trade flows worldwide, with more exports being directed to Europe or Brazil.
The premium for imported aluminium extrusion billet in Brazil has been declining since the US import tariffs came into effect on March 12.
Fastmarkets’ assessment of the aluminium 6063 & 6060 extrusion billet premium, cif Brazilian main ports, was $310-340 per tonne on August 22, the lowest premium since September 6, 2024.
Meanwhile, Fastmarkets’ latest assessment of the aluminium P1020A premium, cif dup Brazilian main ports, was $250-280 per tonne on August 26, widening compared with $260-275 per tonne on March 25, before the US import tariffs were implemented.
The largest Brazilian aluminium producers – Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA), Alumar and Albras – have said that most of their production is sold in the domestic market and that the US import tariffs have had little effect on their business
“CBA has more than 90% of its sales volume directed to the domestic market, which minimizes the consequences of the trade measures adopted by the US,” CBA’s spokesperson told Fastmarkets on August 22.
“Albras has not seen a significant change in export flows from Brazil following the implementation of the 50% tariffs by the US Brazilian producers, including Albras, continue to supply the domestic market,” an Albras spokesperson said on August 25.
“Alumar’s production is directed to the Brazilian domestic market, considered strategic and growing, so our priority remains to consistently and responsibly meet domestic demand,” Alumar’s spokesperson told Fastmarkets, also on Monday.
Alumar intends to reach full capacity at its plant in the Brazilian state of Maranhão.
“Currently, Alumar’s smelter is operating close to its full capacity and on a progressive path to reach 100%,” the spokesperson said. “The increase in production will be directed mainly to the domestic market, in line with our strategy of meeting internal demand.”
Brazilian aluminium exports to the US decreased by 25% in the first half of 2025. The losses related to US import tariffs could reach $210 million in 2025.
Meanwhile, Brazilian aluminium premiums assessed by Fastmarkets have fallen since US import tariffs were implemented on March 12.
Fastmarkets most recently assessed the aluminium P1020A premium, high-VAT market, delivered São Paulo region, at $110-130 per tonne on August 19, compared with $130-170 per tonne on March 19.
The aluminium P1020A premium, low-VAT market, delivered São Paulo region, was assessed at $215-250 per tonne on August 19, compared with $240-290 per tonne on March 19.
Fastmarkets launched a new premium for Brazilian domestic aluminium billet on August 26, when the aluminium 6063 & 6060 extrusion billet premium, ddp São Paulo, was assessed at $470-530 per tonne.
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