Exports of niobium ferroalloys by Brazilian producers reached 5,001 mt in July, 10.2 percent less than in June, at an average FOB price 2.3 percent higher, $23,402/mt, according to the country’s ministry of development, industry and foreign trade, MDIC.
Exports by CBMM, the world’s largest producer, went down by 14.3 percent to 4,123 mt at $23,316/mt FOB, 2.6 percent higher, while exports by the local arm of Anglo American went up by 15.9 percent to 859 mt at $23,806/mt FOB, stable from June.
Asia was the main destination with 2,244 mt, 4.6 percent less than in June, a downturn reflecting exports to China reduced by 16.7 percent to 975 mt, while exports to the Netherlands, where CBMM has a distribution center, went down by 14 percent to 1,516 mt, and exports to the US went up by 58 percent to 1,208 mt. Smaller tonnages were shipped to Turkey (20 mt) and South America (12 mt).
A source from a local slab producer told SteelOrbis that he is currently paying CBMM for niobium ferroalloys in ingots the equivalent to $17,700/mt, CFR, full taxes, a price reduced from $18,000/mt in one month due to the exchange rate variation, as the price is fixed by CBMM in BRL.