Brazilian slab exporters are now negotiating deals in average at $485/mt, against $495/mt last week, FOB conditions for basic commercial grades.
According to sources, this decline reflects the increase in the US import tariffs to 50 percent , which has impacted the price of the Brazilian slabs for other destinations as well.
The most recent price indications included quotations in the $480-490/mt range.
In May, Brazil exported 577,900 mt and imported 70,500 mt of slabs against respectively 429,600 mt and no imports in April.
In May, Ternium exported 236,100 mt of slabs at $569/mt to the US and 30,000 mt at $520/mt to Argentina; ArcelorMittal Tubarão exported 108,000 mt at $526/mt to the US, 41,700 mt at $467/mt to Poland, and 40,200 mt at $478/mt to France. Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal Pecem shipped 41,700 mt at $471/mt to Poland, 22,800 mt at $499/mt to France, 20,800 mt at $485/mt to Italy, and 20,500 mt at $521/mt to the US. Gerdau also shipped 16,100 mt at $672/mt to Canada, all FOB conditions.
The imports were from Japan (30,500 mt at $440/mt to Usiminas) and Vietnam (40,000 mt at $450/mt), also FOB conditions.