Brazilian exporters are negotiating HRC of the basic commercial grades for export at $450/mt, FOB conditions, a local exporter told SteelOrbis.
The price compares to $470/mt last week, reflecting a slow reduction of prices in the flats production chain, from slab to CRC, the source said, adding that the downturn has links with export prices from China.
In May, ArcelorMittal Tubarao exported HRC at $286/mt, CSN at $453/mt, Usiminas at $667/mt and by Gerdau Acominas at $293/mt, all FOB conditions, price deals probably closed in March.
Such high differences in prices could reflect factors such as sales to associated companies, not necessarily linked to market conditions, and quality extras, the source said.