Brazilian producers are negotiating HRC exports with their South American clients in a reference price of $870/mt, against $890/mt two weeks ago, FOB conditions for the basic commercial grades.
In September, Brazil exported 5,300 mt and imported 88,900 mt of HRC, against respectively 37,000 mt and 38,900 mt in August.
The exports of September were destined to South American countries (3,700/mt at $659/mt), the US (1,000 mt at $747/mt) and Pakistan (600 mt at $341/mt), all FOB conditions, the latter certainly not a market price.
The exporters were ArcelorMittal (3,300 mt at $567/mt), and Usiminas (2,000 mt at $753/mt).
The imports were from China (62,100 mt at $657/mt) and South Korea (26,800 mt at $678/mt), also FOB conditions.
The high volume of imports still reflects the high domestic prices, with premium now around 13 percent in relation to a similar imported product after clearing customs, the same as two weeks ago.
In the Brazilian domestic market, HRC of the basic commercial grades is sold by producers, in medium to large volumes, at BRL 5,400/mt ($1,044/mt), ex-works, no taxes included, against BRL 5,500/mt two weeks ago.
USD = BRL 5.17 (October 6)