The Brazilian producers are negotiating HRC exports with their South American clients in a reference price of $810/mt against $820/mt two weeks ago, FOB conditions for the basic commercial grades.
In the Brazilian domestic market, HRC of the basic commercial grades is sold by producers, in medium to large volumes, at BRL 5,750/mt ($1,014/mt), stable in BRL from two weeks ago, ex-works, full taxes except IPI.
According to the foreign trade authority, SECEX, in February, Brazil exported 26,200 mt and imported 18,400 mt of HRC against respectively 1,900 mt and 27,200 mt in January.
The main destinations of the exports were the US (19,900 mt at $775/mt) and South American countries (6,300 mt at $525/mt), FOB conditions.
The exporters were CSN (20,100 mt at $775/mt), ArcelorMittal (5,400 mt at $489/mt), and Usiminas (700 mt at $665/mt), all FOB conditions.
The imports came mainly from China (17,800 mt at $564/mt), South Korea (400 mt at $875/mt), and Japan (200 mt at $3,012/mt), also FOB conditions.
USD = BRL 5,67 (March 18)