A source linked to a Brazilian steel producer informed that $440/mt, FOB conditions, remains the reference price for negotiations for the export of slab of the basic commercial grades.
According to the source, prices are expected to follow the global uptrend although no deals at higher prices were closed over the week. Still, according to the source, deals could soon be closed at $450/mt FOB or even more.
In July, ArcelorMittal Tubarao exported slab at $429/mt, Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem at $413/mt and ThyssenKrupp CSA at $393/mt, all FOB conditions, with price deals probably closed in May.
Preliminary figures from the Brazilian customs authorities point to a two-digit percentage increase in August from the 523,000 mt of slab exported in July.