Brazilian slab exports fell in 2019

Brazilian slab maker Companhia Siderúrgica do Pecém (CSP) cut shipments year-on-year in December. Total exports also remained low throughout 2019.

In December alone, shipments fell to 246,172 tons, which is 17.6% less than in the same period in 2018. However, this volume was 15.4% more than in November 2019.

Exports of CSP slabs in 2019 amounted to 2 795 935 tons, which is 5.8% lower than last year compared to 2 969 807 tons in 2018.

According to the Port of Ceara, the main destination for CSP slabs last year was the USA, which accounted for 54% of total exports. South Korea and Turkey were the next largest importers of CSP boards, with shares of 10% and 6% respectively. The Brazilian domestic market had a supply share of about 14%.

CSP is the fourth largest steel producer in Brazil. The company is a joint venture between Vale (50% of shares) and South Korean companies Dongkuk (30%) and Posco