Brazil exported 7,200 mt of steel plate in March, against 4,200 mt in February, in an increase reflecting more 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.
All the exports of March were destined to South American countries, in average at $1,231/mt, FOB conditions.
The exports to Argentina totaled 4,600 mt at $1,512/mt, with the perspectives of increased volumes being exported during the next months, in line with the construction of the pipeline and with the financial loans authorized by the Brazilian development bank BNDES.
The exporters were Usiminas (4,600 mt at $1,512/mt), ArcelorMittal (1,700 mt at $693/mt), and Gerdau (800 mt at $701/mt), while small volumes were exported by traders.
Meanwhile, Brazil imported in March 22,600 mt of plate, against 23,400 mt in February.
The main origin of the imports was Europe (22,500 mt, of which 20,700 mt at $855/mt from Austria), also FOB conditions. Small volumes were imported from the US and China.