Reflecting higher iron ore prices in the Chinese spot market, partially offset, in FOB terms, by increased ocean freight rates, the price of Brazilian export iron ore has varied by grade in the last week. Sinter feed fines of 65 percent iron contents increased by $1/mt from last week, while pellet prices declined, due to reduced premium of the product in relation to the equivalent sinter feed fines.
Sinter feed fines of 65 percent iron contents are now estimated to be traded for export from Brazil at $66/mt, the equivalent lumps at $76/mt and blast furnace grade pellets at $106/mt, all FOB conditions.
In the Brazilian domestic market, for equivalent ores, the prices are $60/mt for sinter feed fines, $70/mt for lumps and $100/mt for blast furnace grade pellets, ex-works, no taxes included.
Combined exports of iron ore and pellets in September are pointing to a stable volume from the 28.3 million mt exported in August.