In December, Brazil exported 6,000 metric tons (mt) of heavy plates, up from 4,500 mt in November. Usiminas led the exports with 5,000 mt at an average price of $957/mt, while Gerdau shipped 900 mt at $787/mt, FOB conditions. Smaller volumes were also shipped by traders, ArcelorMittal, and CSN. The primary destinations were South American countries, receiving 5,100 mt at $993/mt, and the US, receiving 900 mt at $787/mt.

Conversely, Brazil’s imports of heavy plates decreased to 300 mt in December from 2,600 mt in November. The imports were sourced from Italy (200 mt at $857/mt) and China (100 mt at $941/mt).