According to sources, slab exports by Brazilian producers to their clients in the US are now in a reference price of $720/mt, FOB conditions, considering the last shipments in March.
Last week, the reference was $650/mt, under the same conditions, with increasing sales to heavy plate producers, due to increased demand for the use in gas pipelines. One Brazilian slab producer is reportedly having all its exports destined to heavy plates producers in the US.
For sales to non-US destinations, $630/mt, FOB conditions, is the new reference price, against $600/mt one week ago.
In December, Brazil exported 482,600 mt of slab, while importing 40,400 mt of the product. Similar volumes are expected for January.