A Sao Paulo-based distributor said it expects no increases in the price of the heavy plates from Usiminas, despite rumors that the Brazilian producer could increase plate prices by up to 18 percent.
“We’re still selling the A36 heavy plate from Usiminas of the basic commercial grades at BRL 2,200/mt ($576/mt) FOB, no taxes,” a source said, adding it received no announcements from a price increase in plate prices from Usiminas.
Another distributor in the southeast region of Brazil confirmed that so far “there was no increase” in the price.
“The A36 heavy plate of 8-37mm thickness from Usiminas is still being sold at BRL 2,460/mt ($644/mt), ex-works, no taxes, stable since June this year,” the second source said.
He added that 37.5-76mm plates from Usiminas are being sold at BRL 2,600/mt ($681/mt) FOB, while plates of 76mm thickness and higher cost BRL 2,680/mt ($702/mt) FOB, all with no taxes included.
1 US$ = BRL 3.82 (As of September 14)