Exports of slabs by Brazilian producers reached 690,000 mt in July, 115 percent more than in June, according to the local ministry of development, industry and foreign trade, MDIC.
The average FOB price was stable at $525/mt, with a maximum of $543/mt and a minimum of $502/mt.
A major producer told SeelOrbis that such prices were negotiated two months ago and the most recent deals are being closed at $500/mt FOB.
The increased volume reflects higher tonnages exported by ThyssenKrupp CSA, ArcelorMittal Tubarao and Gerdau Acominas, while Usiminas Cosipa and CSN remain out of the market.
At ThyssenKrupp CSA, the tonnage went up by 101 percent to 464,000 mt, of which 291,000 mt (up 124 percent) was destined for the company’s formerly-owned Alabama rolling plant, 143,000 mt (up 42 percent) to the German operations of ThyssenKrupp, and 30,000 mt to Australia, marking the first sale by the Rio de Janeiro plant to a destination other than the US and Germany.
ArcelorMittal Tubarao has shipped 127,000 mt to the US, while Gerdau Acominas has shipped a total of 98,000 mt, against no exports in June, of which 52,000 mt went to the US and 46,000 mt to Mexico.