According to sources, the reference price for the export of slabs from Brazil is $530/mt, FOB conditions for the basic commercial grades.
This price is the same over the last three weeks, remaining in the range of $530-535/mt since August 5.
According to analysts, such long-term stability reflects increased domestic demand and price limitations dictated by HRC prices in other world regions.
In Brazil, ArcelorMittal Pecem is not exporting slabs since August, shipping instead to CSN, Usiminas and to the operations of ArcelorMittal, while ArcelorMittal Tubarão, Ternium and Gerdau maintain their slabs exports.
In October, Brazil exported 413,900 mt and imported 47,000 mt of slabs against respectively 422,200 mt and 157,800 mt in September.
Considering preliminary data covering the first three weeks of November, expectations for the rest of the month are for both exports and imports of slabs declining from October.