Slab export prices in Brazil have increased in average by $10/mt from last week, now reaching a range of $555/mt to $565/mt to Asia, $544/mt to $548/mt to the US East coast, $550/mt to $555/mt to the US West coast and $520/mt to $530/mt to Europe, all CFR conditions for the basic commercial grades.
The increase reflects higher FOB quotations, as ocean freight rates were stable over the period.
Analysts maintain expectations of declining prices over the next few weeks, as demand now is expected to decline under a seasonal pattern associated to reduced industrial activity in December and January.
Preliminary numbers from customs are pointing to a reduction of slab exports from Brazil, in November, from the 460,800 mt exported in October.