Brazilian producers are negotiating HRC exports with their South American clients in a reference price of $1,000/mt, against $970/mt one month ago, FOB conditions for the basic commercial grades.
In December, Brazil exported 60,200 mt and imported 23,300 mt of HRC, against 50,900 mt and 29,600 mt in November.
The exports of December were destined to Portugal (30,200 mt at $974/mt), South American countries (23,000 mt at $601/mt), Pakistan (6,500 mt at $377/mt – not a market price), and Mexico (500 mt at $1,021/mt), FOB conditions.
The exporters were CSN (30,200 mt at $974/mt), ArcelorMittal (22,800 mt at $595/mt), Gerdau (6,500 mt at $377/mt), and Usiminas (700 mt at $1,124/mt).
The imports came from China (19,100 mt at $750/mt), South Korea (4,000 mt at $616/mt), and Russia (200 mt at $675/mt), also FOB conditions.
In the Brazilian domestic market, HRC of the basic commercial grades is sold, in medium to high volumes by steel producers, at BRL 6,350/mt ($1,221/mt), against BRL 6,100/mt three weeks ago, ex-works, no taxes included.
In 2022, Brazil exported 1.18 million mt of HRC, while imported 154,800 mt of the product, against respectively 659,200 mt and 293,300 mt in 2021.
USD = BRL 5.20 (January 19)