One source from a Brazilian steel producer mentioned $390/mt, FOB conditions, as the current base for negotiations for slab exports of the basic commercial grades. A second source, from an exporter, mentioned a range of $410/mt to $430/mt, also FOB conditions, for the same grades.
The range compares with $420/mt to $440/mt two weeks ago, reflecting a worldwide market trend, according to sources.
Brazil exported 593,200 mt of slab in January, 20 percent more than in December 2016, at an average FOB price increased by 4.8 percent to $354/mt.
ArcelorMittal Tubarao exported 202,500 mt at $367/mt, Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem exported 184,800 mt at $324/mt, ThyssenKrupp CSA exported 154,400 mt at $378/mt and Gerdau Ouro Branco exported 51,300 mt at $335/mt, all FOB conditions, with price deals probably closed in November 2016.
The main destinations were the US (273,200 mt at $370/mt), the EU (178,000 mt at $338/mt), Turkey (95,400 mt at $347/mt) and Asia (46,500 mt at $333/mt), all FOB conditions.