Import slab prices in Asian markets

Market sources report that slab suppliers in Brazil, Mexico, Japan and the CIS have revised their offers upwards due to the upticks in the North and South American and European flat steel markets, particularly in hot rolled coil (HRC) markets, and amid shortages in slab markets. Accordingly, import slab offers to Asia from the countries in question are now standing at $530-550/mt CFR Asian ports, indicating an increase of $10/mt on the high end of the price range since last week.
 
Meanwhile, ex-CIS slab offers can be found at $500-510/mt FOB base level, while these offers have gained acceptance from European and American slab buyers.
 
Due to tight supply and increasing raw material costs, the upward trend in the slab markets will likely continue.