Brazilian producers are negotiating HRC exports with their South American clients in a reference price of $1,050/mt, against $1,000/mt three weeks ago, FOB conditions for the basic commercial grades.
In January, Brazil exported 5,600 mt and imported 8,600 mt of HRC, against 60,200 mt and 23,300 mt, respectively, in December.
The sharp decline in export offers reflect exports in January mostly limited to South American countries, while in December 32,300 mt were shipped to other regions.
Exports in January were priced in average at $599/mt, FOB conditions, with price deals probably closed in November.
The exporters in January were ArcelorMittal (5,300 mt at $552/mt) and Usiminas (200 mt at $1,620/mt) also FOB conditions. Small volumes were shipped by Gerdau and CSN.
The imports came from China (7,300 mt at $690/mt), Russia (1,200 mt at $695/mt) and South Korea (100 mt at $771/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 6,400/mt ($1,231/mt), against BRL 6,350/mt three weeks ago, ex-works, no taxes included.
USD = BRL 5.20 (February 8)