Brazil exported 16,900 metric tons (mt) of rebar during the month of February, compared with a reported total of 52,500 mt during January, for a drop of 68 percent, according to data released today by SECEX, Brazil's foreign trade secretariat of ministry, development, industry, and foreign trade.
The sharp decline in exports reflects the absence of monthly exports to the US as well as a lower number of working days in February, resulting in a postponement of February shipments to March, SECEX said.
On the import side, rebar imports for February were reported at 5,700 mt, down a less substantial 18.6 percent versus the 7,000 mt reported during January.
February exports all were destined for South American countries, shipped by Gerdau (12,200 mt at $581/mt) and ArcelorMittal (4,700 mt at $704/mt), FOB conditions, SECEX said.
February imports were from from Russia at 5,700 mt at $496/mt, also FOB conditions, they said.