After posting a 30% increase in steel exports, Usiminas will shift its focus from domestic sales to shipments abroad.

The Brazilian steelmaker's strategic change arises out of a slowdown in the domestic market followed by weaker demand for consumer and capital goods, commercial director Sérgio Leite said during a conference call to discuss Q2 results.

"The majority of Brazil's industries are being negatively impacted by the economic slowdown which became more evident during last quarter," he said.

According to Leite, Usiminas' steel sales during the third quarter are flat compared to Q2.

The steelmaker's total steel sales dipped 3% year-on-year to 1.5Mt in Q2. Steel exports' share increased to 15% in Q2 from 9% in 2Q13.