Pig iron prices in the international market showed an upward movement in the month of March, in most of the countries, in the range of $5-10/MT.
Ukraine $390/MT FOB in the 1st week, $395/MT in the 2nd week, $398 in the 3rd week and at $400/MT in the last 10 days.
Brazil 405-406/MT FOB in the first half of March and $410/MT FOB in the second half
USA At $420-421/MT CFR in the first half and at $425/MT in the second half.
Asia At $435/MT CFR USA in last one month
Black Sea: Pig iron might be offered at cheaper prices from Black Sea port on account of factors such as ferrous scrap is being offered at lower prices, buying activities in finished steel products has not been very encouraging and as takers of Pig iron are currently having stock matching to their requirement.
Current offers of Pig iron are standing in the range of $395-405/MT FOB Black Sea is likely to come down in the mid of April by around 10 dollars and by 5 dollars more in the month of May.
Italy: An Italian Pig iron consumer purchased a small quantity of Pig iron at around $425/MT CIF from Ukrainian supplier.
Low sales of finished steel has limited purchases in Pig iron.
South Korea: Russian prices are quoted at $440/MT CIF and hence continue to stand at similar price levels. They are not willing to offer any discounts looking at limited availability of the material for sales.
Poor sales of finished steel products and as buyers of Russian Pig iron have enough of stock at the moment accounted for stability in prices.
Producers of Pig iron are rather looking for buyers in the domestic market for better margins.
Ukraine: The first two months proved to be good for exporters of Pig iron based in Ukraine due to good demand from Italy and Turkey.
As compared to 266 thousand tons of Pig iron exported in January-February 2012, the figure rose to 360 thousand tons in January-February 2013.
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