Slab of the basic commercial grades is now traded for export from Brazil at $420/mt, FOB conditions, a local exporter told SteelOrbis, compared with prices of $425/mt FOB one week ago.
According to the source, this price is expected to decrease further over the coming weeks, reflecting rearrangements in the steel production chain, from iron ore to finished steel products, chiefly in the Chinese market. In his view, a recovery of prices could take place during the last quarter of the year.
In March, Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem exported slab at $403/mt, ArcelorMittal Tubarao at $449/mt and ThyssenKrupp CSA at $427/mt, all FOB conditions, with price deals probably closed in January.