Brazil steel market steady

Brazil last week, domesticsteel prices continue steady, from the construction sector demand began to pickup, mills may open a new round of price increases. Investment banks areexpected this month, Brazil long timber market will usher in a new round ofprice increases, the magnitude of around 15%. However, end users that Brazilconstruction industry recovery will take time, so the price can be achievedremains to be seen. According to Brazil's National Bureau of statistics, in2016 the gross domestic product of Brazil's construction industry fell by 5.2%in 2015 to a decline of 3.7%.

In January this year, Brazil long productsmarket ushered in the first round of price increases, 10mm steel prices rose12%, ex factory price 1790-1842 reais / ton, excluding tax, then the price hasbeen steady, the current steel at 1900 reais / ton ex factory price excludingtax.