A Brazilian exporter told SteelOrbis that he is closing slab export deals at more than $530/mt, FOB conditions, for slab of the basic commercial grades. The price compares with a range of $500/mt to $510/mt one week ago, reflecting an uptrend seen since the beginning of the year.
According to the source, its portfolio of slab orders is complete for deliveries until March, in his view a situation that is the same for all Brazilian slab producers dedicated to the foreign markets.
“With the lack of material for immediate delivery, I believe that prices should increase again in the short term,” he added.
In December, ArcelorMittal Tubarao exported slab at $492/mt, Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem at $493/mt and Ternium Brazil at $503/mt, all FOB conditions, with price deals probably closed in October.
