The latest deals for HBI from the Middle East have been signed at higher level on FOB basis, as amid limited availability in the global market, buyers in Mediterranean will have to accept higher prices on CFR basis for deliveries early next year.
The major producer in Libya has managed to close it tender for merchant HBI, selling over 40,000 mt at $330-335/mt FOB. This means that the exporter has managed to achieve its targeted price, which is up from $320/mt FOB finalized in a previous tender held a month or even slightly more ago. A part of this tonnage is planned to go to Europe, part – to Egypt and some will be for the open market.
“We still see the tradable level at $340-345/mt CFR,” an importer in Europe said, but according to market sources, in next purchases for arrival in Q1, steel mills will have to pay at least $350-355/mt CFR. “This is simply no material in the market. Only a few can offer,” a trader commented. Some Middle East suppliers are sold out after previous active negotiations with European buyers.
Sanctioned Iranian cold Dri is priced at $245-250/mt FOB, while HBI is $10/mt more expensive.
