Brazil exported 5,200 metric tons (mt) of heavy plates in March, against 27,000 mt in February, according to SECEX, the foreign trade secretariat of the ministry of development, industry and foreign trade.
The decline reflects lower shipments to all previous destinations, including no March exports to the US, against 5,400 mt shipped in February.
March exports were destined to South America (4,900 mt at $886/mt), and to Trinidad and Tobago (300 mt at $688/mt), FOB conditions.
The exporters were Usiminas (3,600 mt), ArcelorMittal (900 mt), CSN (400 mt) and Gerdau (300 mt).
In March, Brazil imported a mere 1,500 mt of heavy plates, compared with 17,200 mt in February, reflecting lower shipments from all previous origins.
The imports were from China (1,100 mt at $634/mt), and Europe (400 mt at $1.446/mt), also FOB conditions.
The imports from Europe refer to special steel grades, not produced in Brazil.
