During the first half of 2014, Brazil exported 93,000 mt of heavy steel plate at FOB prices in the $622-$659/mt range, while imports of such products have not reached significant volumes during the period.
A manager of a local shipyard told SteelOrbis that he is currently importing plates in the thickness range of 22.0 mm and 34.0 mm, width between 1.640 mm and 1.700 mm and length between 12.250 mm and 12.500 mm, grade API 5L X70MS for prices around $620/mt CFR, while the price downstream in the domestic market is around $750/mt.
There is currently a shortage of steel plate in the domestic market, according to the Brazilian foreign trade chamber Camex. Usiminas Cosipa is the sole producer of steel plates in Brazil, but CSN and Gerdau are developing plans to produce plates, with start-up expected for the next two years.