A source from a major slab producer in Brazil told SteelOrbis that he is buying niobium ferroalloys in ingots at $19,470/mt, while the product in wire format is bought at $30,680/mt, both CFR from local supplier CBMM, no taxes included.
Such prices (under same delivery terms) compare to $19,340/mt in January 2015 and to $30,620/mt in November 2014, respectively, showing relative stability in $ terms.
According to the source, the company will no longer buy the product in wire, due to economic reasons.
In January, Brazil exported 6,400 mt of niobium ferroalloys, 19 percent more than in December, at an average FOB price 2 percent higher, $23,354/mt.
Exports by CBMM, the world’s largest producer, went up by 21 percent to 5,700 mt at an average FOB price 2 percent higher, $23,181/mt, while exports by the local arm of Anglo American went up by 10 percent to 722 mt, at an average FOB price slightly increased to $24,707/mt.
The main destinations in January were Asia (3,200 mt), Netherlands (1,800 mt) and the US (1,000 mt).