Brazil exported 31.361 million mt of iron ore (pellets excluded), in May, 18 percent more than in April and so far the highest monthly volume in the year.
The high volume reflects exports to Asian countries increased by 21 percent to 25.418 million mt, of which shipments to China increased by 28 percent to 19.608 million mt, while exports to the EU increased by 3.6 percent to 3.892 million mt and exports to the Middle East increased threefold to 1.160 million mt.
The country’s exports of pellets in May increased from April by 7.2 percent to 2.643 million mt, having Asia (909,700 mt) as main destination, followed by the EU (850,100 mt) and the US (305,600 mt), while smaller tonnages were shipped to Latin America, Trinidad & Tobago, Africa and the Middle East.
The last FOB export price for sinter feed fines of 65 percent iron content is estimated at $46/mt, $55/mt for lumps and $77/mt for pellets.
In the domestic market, slab producers are reportedly paying $41/mt for sinter feed fines, $44/mt for lumps and $71/mt for pellets, all FOB conditions.