Steel beam IPR (ASTM-A6) was priced at US$859/mt ex-mill the week of February 4; for the second week, the price was US$851/mt ex-mill, the third week was US$849/mt ex-mill, and the last week prices were at US$855/mt.
Moreover, price of steel beam I (ASTM-A36) was US$869/mt ex-mill the first week; US$875/mt ex-mill the second week; US$864/mt ex-mill the week of February 18; and US$866/mt ex-mill for the last week.
The forecast of domestic demand in 2013 for so-called "heavy sections" is to grow 6.6 percent to reach 849,000 tons. In 2011 domestic consumption was 796,000 tons, representing an increase of 9.1 percent.