A market source in Brazil told SteelOrbis that current efforts by Galvalume producers are still mainly directed for exports to South American countries, with prices in the $880/mt to $900/mt range. The price, cost and freight conditions to South American countries for the AZ-150 product is equivalent, in average, to $780/mt to $800/mt, when considered FOB conditions, the source said.
In April, the Brazilian exports of Galvalume were limited to 48 mt, while imports of the product during the month have reached 16,800 mt, reflecting both the high domestic prices and the reduced production at ArcelorMittal and CSN, the only companies authorized by BIEC to produce Galvalume in Brazil. Such companies have blast furnaces currently idled for renovations.