Brazilian exports of HRC increased 53 percent month-on-month to 64,000 mt in August, reflecting sales by ArcelorMittal Tubarao increasing by 122 percent to 46,000 mt, all destined to Latin American countries, according to Brazil’s ministry of industry, development and foreign trade, MDIC.
Exports by Usiminas were slightly decreased to 15,500 mt, while exports by Gerdau Acominas went down by 58 percent to 2,000 mt.
Total shipments to Latin American countries reached 49,000 mt, a 257 percent increase, while shipments to the US went up by 15 percent to 15,000 mt, of which 14,100 mt from Usiminas and 1,400 mt from Gerdau Acominas.
The average FOB export price for HRC in August went up by 18 percent to $646/mt. Specifically, sales to Latin American countries closed at around $663/mt, while sales to the US were made in average at $593/mt.
A major producer told SteelOrbis that the most recent export deals are being closed at an average of $600/mt FOB, for HRC of the base commercial grades.