Brazil exported 4,200 mt of steel plate in February, against 26,100 mt in January, a sharp decline reflecting the reduction of exports by Usiminas to Argentina, destined to integrate the Vaca Muerta pipeline, linking the gas deposits in the south of the country to the city of Buenos Aires.
Such exports to Argentina totaled 17,000 mt in January, against 2,100 mt in February.
In February, exports to South American countries reached 3,600 mt, in average at $1,170/mt, FOB conditions, while 700 mt at $340/mt, certainly not a market price, was shipped to Pakistan.
The exporters were Usiminas (3,300 mt at $1,082/mt FOB) and Gerdau (700 mt at $795/mt FOB), while small volumes were exported by ArcelorMittal and by traders.
Meanwhile, Brazil imported in February 23,400 mt of plate, against 22,500 mt in January. The main origins of the imports were Austria (23,000 mt at $853/mt) and Germany (200 mt at $2,192/mt), also FOB conditions. Small volumes were imported from Sweden and China.
