A source from a Brazilian exporter told SteelOrbis that the slab market remains unchanged from last week, as clients abroad are reluctant to accept prices of up to $620/mt, FOB conditions for the basic commercial grades, the reference assumed by the producers in the new round of negotiations for shipments in late June.
He added that the last deal was effectively closed at $595/mt FOB, but producers remain optimistic for perspectives of higher prices ahead. Reports from market sources in the US have previously mentioned offers from Brazil in the $600/mt to $605/mt FOB price range.
In March, ArcelorMittal Tubarao exported slab at $492/mt, Ternium Brazil at $494/mt and Companhia Siderurgica do Pecem at $495/mt, all FOB conditions, with price deals probably closed in January.
Preliminary indications from the country’s customs authorities point to an increase, in April, from the 478,500 mt of slab exported from Brazil in March.
