Exports of niobium ferroalloys by the Brazilian producers CBMM and by Mineracao Catalao, the local arm of Anglo American, reached 6,300 mt in September, 27.8 percent more than in August, according to the country’s ministry of development, industry and foreign trade MDIC.
The average FOB export price was $24,481/mt, against $24,720/mt in August, with exports by CBMM reaching 5,700 mt at $24,462/mt and by Catalao 600 mt at $24,661/mt.
The main destinations of the product in September were Asia (up 55.7 percent to 3,200 mt, of which 1,500 mt to China), the EU (1,700 mt), the US (900 mt), Canada (100 mt) and the Middle East (80 mt).
A source from a major slab producer in Brazil told SteelOrbis that the last acquisition of ferroniobium from CBMM was closed at $23,170/mt, CFR, no taxes included, unchanged in US dollar amounts from one month ago, although 9 percent higher in BRL terms, reflecting the devaluation of the local currency, as supply contracts are fixed in US dollar.
Niobium containing steels are usually associated to high-tech and extreme applications in the auto, civil construction and aerospace industries.