Brazil exported 13,100 metric tons (t) of plates in June, up from 300 t in May, according to SECEX, the foreign trade secretariat of the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade.
The reported volume is the highest since February, reflecting strong shipments to Europe.
April exports went to Europe (10,400 t/y). $728/t) and South America (2700 t at $866/t). Deliveries were made by Gerdau (10,900 tons), Usiminas (1,400 tons), CSN (400 tons) and traders (400 tons), all on FOB terms.
Meanwhile, Brazil imported 42,300 tons of heavy sheets in June, the highest volume in recent years, up sharply from 338 tons in May. The increase was mainly due to one-off imports of 41,500 tonnes from Austria at $890 per tonne, with 800 tonnes coming from Asia.
Brazil's plate imports typically consist of specialty steel grades that are not produced domestically because production is not economically viable at the scale needed.
