A major Argentinian service center told SteelOrbis that import prices for cold rolled sheet from Brazil have remained stable since September this year.
The source said it doesn’t expect prices for the product to increase, not at least in the final days left of the year.
“I haven’t heard so far any comments regarding price hikes, and I think a price increase wouldn’t be welcomed by the industry at this point,” the source explained.
The source said prices for cold rolled sheets have been relatively stable since September this year. Despite stability in the product’s price, changes are expected in January, as right wing candidate, Mauricio Macri, won the country’s elections, putting an end to a 12-year period of government by the Kirchner family.
“Changes are likely to come in January, as December tends to be a weak month for most automakers.”
The source said it is importing specific qualities of cold rolled sheets from Brazil to supply the Argentinian automotive industry at US$800/mt CFR. The same source said it’s buying hot rolled sheets from the neighboring country at US$780/mt CFR.
A source said it has been importing both cold and hot rolled sheets from Brazil due to “better quality and prices levels” the Brazilian products have when compared to similar products produced in Argentina.
1 USD = ARS 9.80 (December 15)