After period of consistent increase, Brazilian slab export reference prices remain unchanged at $605/mt FOB, stable for the past three weeks, market insiders told SteelOrbis.
In the view of analysts, such stability points to the absence of fresh export deals closed during the period, rather than to the end of an upward trend that has lasted since $455/mt FOB was achieved in early October 2025, they said.
Expectations remain for small increases combined with periods of stability over the next few weeks, reflecting the imbalance of domestic production and demand for slabs, with reports that slabs producers are giving preference to higher prices reported in domestic markets.
The devaluation of the US Dollar in relation to the Brazilian Real (BRL) continues to play a role, with the US currency achieving its lowest conversion rate since March 2024, positively impacting slabs prices, while export routes from Brazil to main slabs clientele remain unaffected by the disruptions in the Middle East.