Brazil exported 646,100 mt of slab in March, 15.5 percent more than in February, at an average FOB price increased by 12.2 percent to $423/mt.
The increased volume reflects exports to the US increased by 179 percent to 290,000 mt and exports to Latin American countries increased from 34,600 mt in February to 203,500 mt in March, while exports to the EU declined by 49 percent to 67,000 mt and exports to Asia declined by 59 percent to 65,100 mt.
The main exporters were Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem (280,100 mt at $403/mt), ArcelorMittal Tubarao (204,500 mt at $449/mt) and ThyssenKrupp CSA (158,000 mt at $427/mt), all FOB conditions, with price deals probably closed in January.
According to a local exporter, $425/mt, FOB conditions, is the current base for negotiation for the exports of Brazilian slab of the basic commercial grades.