A Brazilian exporter told SteelOrbis that slab exports of the basic commercial grades are now being negotiated in the range of $400/mt to $415/mt, FOB conditions, against $380/mt last week.
The source ascribes the increase to an uptrend in steel prices in the international markets. He added that there are differences in slab prices from plant to plant, depending on the quality of the casters, some of which require no scarfing operation at the rolling plants.
In June, ArcelorMittal Tubarao exported slab at $431/mt, Thyssenkrupp CSA at $443/mt and Siderurgica do Pecem at $407/mt, all FOB conditions with price deals probably closed in April.
Preliminary figures from the country’s customs authorities indicate that slab exports in July are expected to increase in volume by around 10 percent from the 417,000 mt exported in June.
