DNPM TEM NOVO DIRETOR-GERAL

O presidente em exercício, Michel Temer, e o ministro de Minas e Energia, Fernando Coelho Filho, nomearam Victor Hugo Froner Bicca para exercer, interinamente, o cargo de diretor-geral do Departamento Nacional de Produção Mineral (DNPM). A nomeação está no Diário Oficial da União (DOU).

STEEL DYNAMICS BUY VULCAN THREADED PRODUCTS

Steel Dynamics agreed to acquire Vulcan Threaded Products, the largest U.S. manufacturer and supplier of threaded rod products, for $126M, including $42M in working capital.

WELDBEND AND BOLTEX, FROM THE U.S., FILE ANTIDUMPING PETITIONS AGAINST INDIA, SPAIN AND ITALY

Two producers of carbon steel flanges, Weldbend Corporation and Boltex Mfg. Co., today filed anti-dumping petitions with the US Department against India, Spain and Italy.

PREÇO DA SUCATA CAI PARA US$ 218 NA TURQUIA E FICA ESTÁVEL EM US$ 250 NOS EUA

O preço da sucata ferrosa caiu 2,2% na semana passada na Turquia, para US$ 218 por tonelada.

Nos Estados Unidos, o preço ficou estável em US$ 250.

Os preços médios e variação no período foram, segundo o TSI:

- Turquia: US$ 218 /t (-2.2%)

- Estados Unidos: US$ 250 /t longa(0.0%)

- Taiwan: US$ 204 /t (-0.5%)

- Índia: US$ 232 /t (0.0%)

FERROUS SCRAP PRICES FALL TO US$ 218 IN TURKEY AND REMAINS AT US$ 250 IN THE U.S.

Ferrous scrap prices went down 2.2% last week in Turkey, to US$ 218 per tonne.

In the U.S. scrap remained at US$ 250 per long tonne.

The average prices and variation in the period were, according to TSI:


- Turkish imports HMS #1&2 80/20 scrap, CFR Turkish port: US$ 218 /metric tonne (-2.2%)

- US domestic obsolete shredded scrap, delivered US mill: US$ 250 /long ton (0.0%)

- Taiwanese imports HMS #1&2 80/20 scrap, CFR Taiwan port: US$ 204 /metric tonne (-0.5%)

- Indian imports obsolete shredded scrap, CFR Nhava Sheva port: US$ 232 /metric tonne (0.0%)

UK STAINLESS SCRAP PRICES RISE BY US$ 54-67

UK inter-merchant prices for austenitic alloy steel scrap rose by £40-50 ($54-67) per tonne after sterling weakened against the dollar following the UK’s decision to leave the EU, sources told Steel First on Friday July 1.

BRAZIL'S SUPERIOR COURT SUSPENDES RATIFICATION OF REPARATIONS DEAL WITH SAMARCO AND ITS OWNERS (VALE AND BHP BILLITON)

Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice has suspended the ratification of a reparations deal for the Fundao tailing dam tragedy agreed with pellet producer Samarco and its owners Vale and BHP Billiton.

EASTERN CHINA'S FERROUS SCRAP STEADY AT US$ 209

Ferrous scrap prices in eastern China have held steady for the second straight week, as steel mills in the region were stepping back to see what would happen next.

S&P Global Platts assessed heavy melting scrap 6 mm and above thick Friday at Yuan 1,390/mt ($209/mt), including 17% value added tax (VAT), delivered to Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, unchanged from a week earlier.

Jiangsu Shagang Group, the largest scrap consumer in China, continued to hold its buying price of heavy melting scrap 6 mm and above thick unchanged over the past week.

Shagang's buying price was at Yuan 1,390/mt, including 17% VAT, delivered to Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province.

CRIMINAL CASE ON EXPLOSION AT BAKU STEEL (AZERBAIJAN)

A criminal case has been opened on the explosion that occurred at Baku Steel Company's plant on June 30, leaving six people injured.

The criminal case was initiated under the Article 162 (infringement of a labor safety rules) of the Criminal Code, investigation is underway.

On June 30, an explosion occurred at Baku Steel Company's plant as a result of which six people – Alasgar Alasgarov, Elsavar Ibadullayev, Mammad Karimov, Nusraddin Safarov and Natig Salmanov were injured.

EM 4 SEMANAS, MINÉRIO DE FERRO TEVE ALTA DE 9%

O preço do minério de ferro teve alta de 9,1% no acumulado de 4 semanas.

A informação é do TSI.

IN 4 WEEKS, IRON ORE PRICE WENT UP 9%

In 4 weeks, the price of iron ore went up 9.1%.

The information is from TSI.

MINÉRIO DE FERRO SOBE 5,1% NA SEMANA

O preço do minério de ferro subiu 5,1% no acumulado desta semana, segundo o TSI.

A informação é para o produto 62% Fe negociado em Tianjin.

IRON ORE GOES UP 5.1% THIS WEEK

Iron ore went up 5.1% accumulated this week, according to TSI.

The information refers to ore 62% Fe.

MINÉRIO 63% VAI A US$ 55,00; PRODUTO 65% ESTÀ EM US$ 57,80

O minério 63% Fe teve preço de US$ 55,00 nesta sexta-feira.

O produto 65% foi cotado a US$ 57,80.

A informação é do TSI.

ORE 63% GOES TO US$ 55.0; PRODUCT 65% IS AT US$ 57.8

Ore 63% Fe price went to US$ 55.0 per tonne this Friday.

The product 65% went to US$ 57.8 per t.

The information is from TSI.

MINÉRIO DE FERRO CAI PARA US$ 54,00

O preço do minério de ferro caiu 0,4% nesta sexta-feira para US$ 54,00 por t.

A cotação é para o produto 62% negociado em Tianjin, segundo o TSI.

IRON ORE FALLS TO US$ 54.0

Iron ore price went down 0.4% this Friday, to US$ 54.0 per tonne.

The price is for the product 62% negotiated in Tianjin, according to TSI.

GOLDMAN SACHS FORECASTS THAT STEEL CONSUMPTION IN CHINA WILL SHRINK 2% BOTH IN 2017 AND 2018

Goldman Sachs is forecasting that steel consumption in China will shrink again from next year after a brief respite in 2016, and the nation's iron ore imports will eventually start to decline too as policy makers shift the economy away from investment.

Steel demand will contract 2 per cent in 2017 and a further 2 per cent in 2018 following a 1 per cent expansion this year, Goldman said in a report received on Friday that summarised results of new modelling. China's steel consumption may end up dropping as much as 20 per cent, according the bank.

ACCIAITALIA LAUNCHS BID FOR ILVA AND BECOMES "RIVAL" OF ARCELORMITTAL

AcciaItalia, a newly formed company of which Italian government agency Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) is the majority shareholder, has launched a bid for beleaguered steelmaker Ilva, it announced on Thursday June 30.

ArcelorMittal also wants to buy Ilva.

GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM MAY FINE FORMOSA PLASTICS (TAIWAN) IN US$ 500 MILLION

The Vietnamese government is expected to fine Taiwanese steelmaker Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) $500 million for environmental damage caused by the company’s Ha Tinh plant, according to local media.

POLL SHOWS THAT IRON ORE WILL BE BELOW US$ 50 IN THE 2nd QUARTER

After an unexpected rally in the first months of 2016, iron ore should fall back below $50 a ton in the second half of the year as more of the bulk commodity hits an oversupplied market, a Reuters poll showed.

But prices should still be up on the year, analysts say, thanks to an early-year rally in Chinese steel futures that spread to iron ore and helped the raw material recover from a three-year slide.

Iron ore emerged largely unscathed from the selloff that hit financial markets last week after Britain voted to exit the European Union.

Benchmark 62-percent grade iron ore for delivery to top market China will average $47 a ton in July-December, according to the median estimate of 18 analysts polled by Reuters.

That will put the 2016 average at $49 a ton, up from $47 in a December poll. For 2017, iron ore is forecast to average $46, up from $45 in the previous poll.

VENDAS DE PRODUTOS SIDERÚRGICOS CAEM 10% EM MAIO, PARA 1,4 MIILHÃO DE T

As vendas de produtos siderúrgicos ao mercado brasileiro totalizaram 1,4 milhão de toneladas de produtos siderúrgicos em maio deste ano. 

O volume corresponde a uma queda de 10,2% em relação ao mesmo período do ano passado, segundo dados divulgados pelo Instituto Aço Brasil (IABr).

SAMARCO DOESN'S ACCOMPLISH ANY ACTION, SAYS ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE

Samarco doesn't accomplish any of the action the company promised to take related to the dam leak in Minas Gerais last November.

That is the conclusion of Ibama, Brazilian environmental institute, in a bulletin released on Wednesday.

IBAMA DIZ QUE SAMARCO NÃO CUMPRE AÇÕES

As ações emergenciais e prioritárias que deveriam ter sido tomadas para conter a lama que vazou da barragem do Fundão, em Mariana (MG), em novembro do ano passado, não foram cumpridas plenamente pela Samarco Mineração, responsável pela estrutura, diz relatório do Ibama divulgado na quarta-feira (29). 

APÓS ACORDO, SAMARCO DEVE CONSTRUIR ADUTORA EM 3 MESES

Após acordo entre Ministério Público do Espírito Santo (MPES) e a Samarco Mineração, ficou definido que a mineradora construa e entregue em funcionamento uma adutora em Linhares.

O acordo foi assinado na última terça-feira (28) pela Samarco, a Prefeitura de Linhares e o Ministério Público do Espírito Santo.

A mineradora teve o prazo estipulado em até 95 dias para entregar a adutora, dentro das normas técnicas, para a captação de água da Lagoa Nova, em Linhares, com o objetivo de abastecer o município.

COMISSÃO RESPONSABILIZA SAMARCO, VALE E BHP BILLITON

"Foi um crime", concluiu o relator da Comissão Extraordinária das Barragens, deputado Rogério Correia (PT-MG), ao apresentar o relatório final do grupo de trabalho criado para analisar as causas do rompimento da barragem de Fundão, em Mariana, e as consequências do maior desastre ambiental do Brasil. O texto foi lido na manhã desta quinta-feira (30), na Assembleia Legislativa de Minas Gerais, em Belo Horizonte. São propostos dois projetos de leis com a justificativa de tornar mais rigorosa a fiscalização da atividade de mineração no estado.

O documento afirma que, além das responsabilidades administrativa e civil, houve responsabilidade criminal da Samarco e das controladoras Vale e BHP na tragédia. "O principal responsável são as empresas e não só a Samarco. É a Vale e a BHP. Elas sabiam que havia este risco, trinca, fenômenos palpáveis, para que pudesssem evitar o que aconteceu", disse o deputado.

FUSÃO BAOSTEEL-WISCO É MÁ IDEIA, DIZ BLOOMBERG

A Baosteel passou décadas erguendo a mais rara das criaturas, uma siderúrgica estatal chinesa que de fato gera lucros e que não está se afogando em dívidas. Ela sobreviveu, e até prosperou, durante um colapso do mercado de aço que ocorre uma única vez em uma era. As margens se ampliaram no trimestre de março graças a uma recuperação dos preços, de acordo com Yi Zhu, da Bloomberg Intelligence.

E aí vem o governo e força uma fusão com uma das perdedoras.

A proposta de vincular a Baoshan Iron & Steel e a Wuhan Iron & Steel -- Baosteel e Wisco -- certamente criará uma força impossível de ignorar. Com um total combinado de cerca de 61 milhões de toneladas de produção no ano passado, ela provavelmente vai ser a maior fabricante de aço do mundo depois da ArcelorMittal.

A Wisco acumulou 7,5 bilhões de yuans (US$ 1,1 bilhão) em perdas no ano passado, mas parece estar virando a página. Ela é uma das pouquíssimas siderúrgicas chinesas de grande porte a registrar um modesto lucro no trimestre mais recente, e os analistas estimam que ela ficará no azul até 2018 - então, com sorte, a aliança não vai apenas torrar a receita da Baosteel.

Existe até a perspectiva de sinergias. Ambas as empresas têm fábricas de produtos planos para fabricantes de automóveis, eletrodomésticos e outros clientes de alto valor em uma faixa do leste e do sul da China, o que limita a exposição delas ao comércio no setor de construção, que agora está quente, mas é mais volátil e tem uma margem baixa.

A cidade natal da Wisco fica rio acima da base da Baosteel em Xangai às margens do rio Yangtze, uma das principais artérias de transporte da China continental. Suas operações no sul do país poderiam ajudar a consolidar a exposição da Baosteel à poderosa economia de manufatura de Guangdong. A empresa menor tem até algumas participações em minas offshore de minério de ferro que poderiam ajudar a integrar a cadeia de abastecimento do grupo.

Mas esse é o último aspecto positivo. E, infelizmente, a lista de aspectos negativos também é longa.

A receita da Wisco durante os últimos 12 meses foi de cerca de um terço dos 157 bilhões de yuans gerados pela Baosteel, mas sua dívida líquida de 41 bilhões de yuans equivale a quase três quartos dos 56 bilhões de yuans devidos pela Baosteel. Adicionar a Wisco elevará a dívida da Baosteel para cerca de 64 por cento dos ativos líquidos, em comparação com os 45 por cento atuais -- uma deterioração substancial, mesmo que a empresa continue fora da zona de perigo. Tanto a Moodys quanto a S&P declararam na terça-feira que esse plano é negativo para o crédito da Baosteel.

Além disso, os lucros da Wisco parecem, na melhor das hipóteses, incertos. Embora os analistas não projetem nenhum prejuízo para os próximos três anos, eles também mal preveem lucros -- apenas 1,9 bilhão de yuans durante o período, cerca de 1 por cento dos 183 bilhões de yuans em receita estimada. Bastaria uma pequena mudança nos preços do ferro, do carvão ou do aço para empurrar a empresa de novo para o vermelho.

Essas minas de minério de ferro também não são lá grande coisa. Na verdade, não seria condenável pensar que os empreendimentos da Wisco relativos às matérias-primas foram enfeitiçados por algum tipo de maldição ancestral: as unidades de mineração no Brasil e no Canadá, pelas quais pagou em 2009 um total combinado de US$ 640 milhões para participar, quebraram desde então, e seu plano de exportar rocha das montanhas da Libéria, ricas em minério, iniciou as remessas em fevereiro de 2014, dias antes que toda a região se tornasse o epicentro da epidemia de ebola na África Ocidental.

É provável que a Baosteel tenha força para absorver esse golpe, mas ela estaria melhor sem a Wisco. O tamanho não é o mais importante no setor siderúrgico, onde as unidades centrais das grandes produtoras parecem estar comprando e fechando fábricas. A ArcelorMittal, apesar de todo o seu peso, caminha para o sexto ano consecutivo de prejuízos. A nova campeã da China terá um caminho acidentado pela frente.

ANGLO AMERICAN VAI VENDER UNIDADE DE NÍQUEL E FOCAR EM MINÉRIO DE FERRO

Depois da venda de suas operações de nióbio e fosfatos no Brasil, a mineradora Anglo American tenta se desfazer de seu negócio de níquel no país. A direção da empresa diz que tem conversado com outras mineradoras, mas ainda não recebeu uma oferta que agrade a seus acionistas. "Estamos verificando se existe uma empresa que consiga nos proporcionar o valor que a gente acredita que o ativo tem", disse ao Valor PRO, o serviço de informações em tempo real do Valor, Ruben Fernandes, novo presidente da companhia no Brasil.

"Temos conversado. Existe interesse porque é um ativo bom", afirmou. Os ativos se situam em Goiás: uma planta na cidade de Barro Alto (com produção de 36 mil toneladas) e outra, a Codemin, em Niquelândia. A empresa é a maior fabricante de níquel do país. A previsão é de 45 mil a 47 mil toneladas neste ano.

BETTER MAY SHIPMENTS SUSTAIN JAPANESE STEEL INVENTORIES

Japanese inventory levels increased slightly in May as production increased but better sales meant that inventories fell in days of use, according to the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (Jisf). Inventory for exports meanwhile was pulled down as shipments increased,Kallanish notes.

Total inventories increased to 6.71 million tonnes at the end of May from 6.66mt a month earlier, Jisf data shows. Total shipments increased to 6.05mt however, bringing the inventory rate to 110.9 from 119.9 a month earlier.

The domestic inventory rate remained high at 158.2, with inventories at 5.69mt and shipments at 3.6mt. Export inventories dipped slightly to 1.02mt however, as export shipments jumped to 2.46mt.

U.S. CRC PRICE REMAINS AT US$ 820-840

US CRC price assessment unchanged at $820-$840/st.

The information is from Platts.

U.S. HRC PRICE RANGE WIDENS TO US$ 620-640

US HRC price assessment range widens to $620-$640/st.

The information is from Platts.

SCHNITZER STEEL COSTS CUTS HELP PROFIT BEAT VIEWS

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. swung to a profit in the third quarter, helped by cost cuts, although revenue fell by a quarter amid low selling prices.

Schnitzer shares rose 5% to $16.51 in Thursday midday trading in New York.

The Portland, Ore., company said profits were helped by lower costs and improved productivity in its auto and metals recycling business. Schnitzer Steel said its cost of goods sold dropped to $294.7 million from $424.3 million in the same period last year.

Over all, Schnitzer Steel reported a third-quarter profit of $14.9 million, or 41 cents a share, up from a loss of $4 million, or 31 cents, a year earlier. Adjusted for debt issuance, restructuring and other costs, among other items, per-share earnings rose to 46 cents from break-even last year.

For the quarter ended May 31, revenue declined to $351.6 million from $467.3 million.

GERMAN SCHULER ACQUIRES AWEBA WERKZEUGBAU

Metal forming equipment manufacturer Schuler AG, Göppingen, Germany, has completed the takeover of German-based die construction company Aweba Werkzeugbau GmbH Aue.

The Aweba Group employs about 600 people, including almost 200 engineers and toolmakers. They will now work together with Schuler’s existing die construction specialists in a single division.

NIVORA GROUP ACQUIRES DYNOBEND

Netherlands-based Dynobend B.V., a provider of equipment and software for precision cold forming of tube, wire, and profiles, has been acquired by the Nivora Group.

Nivora Group comprises the SafanDarley, Bewo Cutting Systems, and Style CNC Machines brands. It has factories in four locations in the Netherlands and branches in Germany, the U.K., the Czech Republic, Taiwan, U.S., and Sweden.

FORMOSA PLASTICS, FROM TAIWAN, APOLOGIZES FOR POLLUTING VIETNAMESE SEASHORES

Formosa Plastics Group issued an apology Thursday and promised to compensate victims after its steel mill in Vietnam was found to have polluted coastal waters causing a massive die-off of fish and affecting the livelihood of fishermen.

"We respect the investigation (by Vietnamese authorities)," said Formosa Plastics Group in a statement after Vietnam released a report that blamed its Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company complex in central Vietnam for polluting the coastal waters of four provinces.

"We offer our deep and sincere apology to the government and people of Vietnam for causing this environmental incident that has affected fishermen's livelihood," said the statement.

TATA STEEL TO FACE LEGAL ACTION OVER DEATH AT SCUNTHORPE

Tata Steel and one of its contractors are facing legal action following an investigation into the circumstances of the death of a 26-year-old at the Scunthorpe works.

Electrician Thomas Standerline died in April 2010, when he was trapped by an overhead crane.

The Scunthorpe works are now owned by British Steel, but the Health and Safety Executive said today this 'there is sufficient evidence and that it is in the public interest to bring a prosecution' against former owner Tata Steel.

Surrey-based Harsco Metals Group also faces a charge of failing to comply by Health and Safety regulations.

The case is first due to be heard at Scunthorpe Magistrates court at the end of next month.

MINÉRIO DE FERRO DE CARAJÁS É VENDIDO PRÓXIMO DE US$ 70

O minério de ferro de Carajás é vendido em porto chinês nesta quinta-feira com preço que se aproxima de US$ 70 a tonelada.

A informação é da NMB.

ORE FROM CARAJÁS GOES NEAR US$ 70

Ore from Carajás was sold this Thrusday near to US$ 70 per tonne.

The information is from NMB.

MINÉRIO DE FERRO SALTA 3,3%, PARA US$ 55,66

O preço do minério de ferro saltou 3,3% nesta quinta-feira e foi para US$ 55,66 por t.

A cotação é para o produto 62% negociado em Qingdao, segundo o Metal Bulletin.

IRON ORE JUMPS 3.3%, TO US$ 55.66

Iron ore jumped 3.3% this Thrusday, to US$ 55.66 per tonne.

The price is for the product 62% negotiated in Qingdao, according to the Metal Bulletin.

INDIA SIGNS SUBMARINE UPGRADE WITH THYSSENKRUPP

The Indian Navy (IN) signed an INR2.6 billion (USD38.4 million) contract on 29 June with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to upgrade two of its four Shishumar-class (Type 209/1500) diesel-electric attack submarines (SSK).

The company said in a statement that the upgrade, which includes arming the two boats with Boeing anti-ship UGM-84L Harpoon Block II encapsulated missile systems, would be undertaken at the Naval Dockyard Mumbai. It would also be backed by a training package to support and operate the weapon system, it added.

IN officials told IHS Jane's that the major refit and life certification (MRLC) for INSShalki and INS Shankul - licence-built at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and commissioned in 1992 and 1994 - is aimed at extending their operational life by 10 years.

ARCELORMITTAL OFFERS TO TAKE OVER EUROPE'S LARGEST STEEL PLANT, IN A JOINT BID WITH MARCEGAGLIA

ArcelorMittal offered to take over Europe's largest steel plant in a joint bid with Marcegaglia SpA.

The world's biggest steelmaker plans to return the three blast furnaces operating at the Ilva works in the Italian city of Taranto to profitability and raise output, ArcelorMittal said in a statement Thursday.

A deal won't undermine ArcelorMittal's balance sheet and will boost its position in the Italian market, it said. It plans to raise Ilva's crude-steel output to more than 6 million metric tons a year by 2020 from about 4.8 million tons.

TRUMP PROMISES TO PUT "AMERICAN STEEL AND ALUMINIUM BACK INTO THE BACKBONE OF THE COUNTRY"

Donald Trump promises said on Tuesday, in a speech at a small factory in Pennsilvanya to end the nation's "failed trade policies."


"A Trump administration will...start using American steel for American infrastructure -- and aluminum. Just like the American steel from Pennsylvania that built the Empire State Building, that's what we're going to do.", he saiud.

Trump promised that "American steel" will fortify America's crumbling bridges. "It will be American steel that sends our skyscrapers soaring, soaring into the sky, beautiful sight, more beautiful with American steel...It will be American workers who are hired to do the job. Nobody else -- American workers.

"We are going to put American steel and aluminum back into the backbone of our country," Trump promised.

ZUMBAK, FROM SWITZERLAND, DELIVERS PROFILE MEASURING SYSTEM TO CHINESE SHANDONG SPECIAL STEEL

Zumbach Electronics, Switzerland, has commissioned a Profilemaster® SPS 400-S4 profile measuring system at ShanDong ShiHeng Special Steel Group Co. Ltd., China.

The measuring unit is equipped with four CMOS camera/laser modules that measure L and Omega-type hot-rolled steel profiles. The machine measures any part and dimension according to the user’s requirements

IRON ORE INVENTORY IN CHINESE PORTS INCREASES TO 93.85 MILLION TONNES

As of June 27, inventory of iron ore at 33 major Chinese ports amounted to 93.85 million mt, up 820,000 mt or 0.88 percent week on week.

JAPAN'S IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTS EXPORTS RISE TO 3.65 MILLION TONNES

In May this year, Japan's iron and steel product exports amounted to 3.65 million metric tons, rising by 4.8 percent year on year.

IRON ORE OUTLOOK PROPS UP SHARES OF NMDC AND VEDANTA

Morgan Stanley’s more cheerful outlook for iron ore prices in 2016, reported by Bloomberg, is probably the reason why NMDC Ltd’s share was up by 1.91% on BSE on Wednesday. That’s good news for Vedanta Ltd too, whose Goa unit is set to operate at a higher level in FY17—the Vedanta stock was up 3.29% on BSE.

The investment banker revised up its price outlook for 2016by 17% to $46 a tonne while its 2017 forecast was also revised upwards by 13% to $42 a tonne, from its earlier forecasts. While this is good news, even the revised 2016 forecast factors in a price of $35 a tonne for December quarter. The current price is around $54 a tonne, based on imported iron ore price data for China.

IN GERMANY, IMPORT PRICE OF IRON ORE FALLS 1.2%

According to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), in May the import price of iron ore in Germany decreased by 1.2 percent year on year.

BRAZIL EXPORTS SINTER FEED FINES AT US$ 43, LUMPS AT US$ 47 AND PELLETS AT US$ 73

Brazil is exporting sinter feed fines of 65 percent iron contents at $43/mt, lumps at $47/mt and pellets at $73/mt, all FOB.

PREÇO PARA EXPORTAÇÃO DE HRC PELO BRASIL CAI PARA US$ 430

Os preços para exportação de HRC pelo Brasil continuam a cair, segundo o Steel Orbis.

A cotação caiu para US$ 430 por tonelada, em comparação a US$ 440 na semana passada.

PRICE OF HRC EXPORTS FALLS TO US$ 430

The new base for negotiations of HRC for export from Brazil is $430/mt, FOB conditions, against $440/mt last week.

RUSSIAN DOMESTIC REBAR PRICES FALL BY US$ 18

Russian domestic rebar prices have fallen by 1,150 roubles ($18) per tonne this week, sources told Steel First.

PREÇO DO HRC CAI A US$ 620 NOS EUA E A 412 LIBRAS NO SUL DA EUROPA

O preço do HRC teve leve queda de 0,3% na semana passada nos Estados Unidos, para US$ 620 por tonelada curta.

A cotação caiu também no Sul da Europa (-2,1%) e na Ásia (-1,4%). O preço subiu no período apenas no Norte da Europa.

Os preços médios e a variação no período, segundo o TSI, foram:

- Norte da Europa (€/t) 435 (+0.2%)

- Sul da Europa (€/t) 412 (-2.1%)

- EUA (US$/t curta) 620 (-0.3%)

 - Importação da Asean (grupo de países da Ásia) (US$/t) 340 (-1.4%)

FREIGHT OF CAPESIZE SHIPS INCREASES TO US$ 6,784

Freight of capesize ships went up again this Wednesday, to US$ 6,784 per day.

That was the 6th consecutive day of increase in the freight.

The information is from NMB.

FRETE DE NAVIOS CAPESIZE SOBE PARA US$ 6.784

O afretamento de navios capesize subiu para US$ 6.784/dia. Foi o 6º dia consecutivo de alta.

A informação é da NMB.

VALE OBTÉM LICENÇA PARA CONSTRUIR BARRAGEM EM MINAS GERAIS

A Vale obteve quarta-feira (28) o pedido de Licença Prévia (LP) para a construção da Barragem Maravilhas III aprovado pela URC Rio das Velhas, do Conselho Estadual de Política Ambiental (Copam). 

A mineradora afirmou que a barragem permitirá a continuidade das operações das minas do Complexo Vargem Grande, em Nova Lima (MG), e da mina do Pico, em Itabirito (MG). 

O processo de licenciamento foi iniciado pela Vale em 2011.

MERGER BETWEEN BAOSTEEL AND WISCO MAY CREATE THE SECOND BIGGEST STEELMAKER IN THE WORLD

A proposed tie-up between Chinese Baoshan Iron & Steel and Wuhan Iron & Steel -- Baosteel and Wisco -- produced about 61 million tons of output last year combined. 

With this number it will be the world's biggest steelmaker after ArcelorMittal.

CITY FINANCIER TO MAKE BID FOR TATA STEEL UK

Leading City financier Edi Truell has confirmed he will make a bid for Tata Steel's UK assets within the next 48 hours.

He told Sky News that, contrary to popular belief, Brexit would benefit the UK steel industry. This is partly due to its improved ability to compete with subsidised German and French industries.

Earlier today, Truell told City A.M.: "Brexit has made the business a lot more attractive to potential buyers... that has certainly enhanced my thinking."

Read more: Liberty House still interested in Tata's UK business despite Brexit

He's in talks with Tata Steel, the Treasury and the Pensions Regulator who are "listening very carefully" to the proposal, as was first reported by the Times.

NEW TECNICAL NOTE ON ANTITERRORISM DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR COLD-FORMED STEEL FRAMING

The Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI) has published a new Technical Note, “Antiterrorism Design Requirements for Cold-Formed Steel Framing” (Tech Note S100-16). While cold-formed steel can be used throughout the building as exterior and/or interior walls, floor and roof systems, this Technical Note focuses on blast protection of building envelopes, specifically exterior walls. 

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Unified Facilities Criteria program has developed documents to assist design engineers through the implementation of antiterrorism requirements into cold-formed steel framing design. This Technical Note provides detailed discussion to clear up any confusion related to these topics: 

• The applicability of UFC 4-010-01 to the design of the building envelope.
• Static and dynamic design approaches for exterior walls.
• Application of these design approaches in a design example.                                                    

BTG PACTUAL VAI ENTREGAR FATIA DE ATÉ R$ 1 BILHÃO EM UNIDADE DE COMMODITIES

O grupo financeiro BTG Pactual anunciou nesta quarta-feira (29) que seu conselho de administração confirmou a decisão de entregar a acionistas parte de sua participação acionária na unidade europeia de negociação de commodities Engelhart, em uma operação que prevê criação de novas ações preferenciais e que deve melhorar os índices de capital do banco.

O BTG Pactual vai entregar aos acionistas fatia de até US$ 1 bilhão na Engelhart, sediada em Luxemburgo, na operação em que a participação do banco no negócio deverá ser reduzida de 92% para entre 34% e 35%. A expectativa é que o negócio, anunciado inicialmente em abril, seja concluído no terceiro trimestre.

BTG PACTUAL WILL PROMOTE MEETING IN JULY TO APPROVE SEPARATION OF COMMODITIES TRADING ACTIVITIES

An extraordinary shareholders meeting will be held on July 14 to approve the proposed separation of BTG Pactual’s commodities trading activities, the company said in a regulatory filing.

To form the new company, called Engelhart Commodities Trading Partners (CTP), BTG Pactual will create a different class of shares which could be converted into units of Grupo BTG Pactual, the bank’s most-traded stock category. BTG Pactual will transfer up to $1 billion in Engelhart CTP stock to its shareholders.

BREXIT MAKES GOVERNMENT FIX TO TATA STEEL PENSION PLAN ELUSIVE

A government overhaul of the British Steel Pension Scheme - crucial to convincing anyone to buy Tata's British assets – is in jeopardy after Britons' vote to leave the European Union deepened the fund's debts and depleted its assets, analysts and industry sources said. Pension trustees said they were in talks to assess the impact of last week's decision, which sources said already raised the risk Tata Steel's giant Port Talbot plant would be closed, destroying thousands of jobs.

Britain's government has been trying to overhaul the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS), one of the nation's largest defined benefit plans, with 130,000 members. Even before last week's referendum, its 14 billion pounds of liabilities exceeded its assets by roughly 700 million pounds.

Tata Steel inherited the pension scheme when it bought Corus, formerly British Steel, for $12 billion in 2007.

PTM CORP. FOUNDER DIES

Charles “Charlie” T. Russell, founder of metal stamping manufacturer PTM Corporation and partner of Modified Technologies (MTI), Fair Haven, Mich., died on June 21, 2016.

Born in Mississippi, Russell moved to Chicago at 20 years old and became a tool- and diemaker, then moved to Detroit to start his business. He grew it from a one-person sole proprietorship to a 200-employee, 300,000-sq.-ft., full-service manufacturing company.

AUSTRALIA BEGINS ANTI-DUMPING REVIEW ON TAIWAN'S DRAGON STEEL

The Australian anti-dumping commission announced on Wednesday June 28 an accelerated review of anti-dumping duties imposed on certain steel sections exported by Taiwan’s Dragon Steel.

EMIRATES FLAT STEEL IMPORT MARKET SLOWS AHEAD OF POST-RAMADAN HOLIDAY

The flat steel import market in the UAE was mostly slow as Eid Al-Fitr will start by the middle of next week and buyers are reluctant to make any bookings before the three-day holiday is over.

GERMAN SALZGITTER INCREASES FORECAST FOR EARNINGS

German steelmaker Salzgitter has increased its forecast for its earnings in 2016 due to a reduction in the volumes of cheap steel imports into the EU and higher domestic prices, the company said on Tuesday June 28.

RIO TINTO PAYS US$ 4.5 BILLION IN TAXES AND ROYALTIES

Rio Tinto has paid $4.5 billion in taxes and royalties last year, according to the company’s 2015 report on paid taxes.

FITCH PLACES THE LONG-TERM RATING OF "A-" OF BAOSTEEL ON RATING WATCH EVOLVING

Fitch Ratings has placed the long-term rating of 'A-‘ of leading Chinese steelmaker Baosteel Group on rating watch evolving.

EXPORT PRICES FOR HRC AND CRC DECLINE BY US$ 10-30 FOR CIS

Export prices for CIS-origin hot and cold rolled coil (HRC, CRC) have declined by $10-30 per tonne over the past week, sources have told Steel First.

CIS is a group of countries formed by Russia and other East Europe nations, also known as Russia Commonwealth.

U.S., CANADA AND MEXICO DEMAND IMMEDIATE ACTION ON GLOBAL STEEL CAPACITY

Canada, the United States and Mexico on Wednesday demanded that all major steel-producing nations make a strong and immediate commitment to address the problem of excess capacity in the industry.

A joint statement called for an end to government subsidies and supports that artificially maintain capacity, but did not name any country. The United States has acted several times to counter what it says is dumping of some Chinese steel products.

IRON ORE FUTURES RISE IN CHIA

Chinese iron ore futures rose on Wednesday, touching a fresh seven-week peak before coming off their highs, as steel prices stabilised after recent gains and high port stocks pointed to ample supply.

The most-traded September iron ore contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange was up 1.1 percent at 420 yuan ($63) a tonne by 0213 GMT, but off a session high of 424.50 yuan, the strongest since May 9.

Iron ore prices benefited from stronger steel prices this week as low steel inventories in China pointed to firm underlying demand.

But Shanghai steel futures stabilised on Wednesday after hitting seven-week highs in the prior session. The most-active rebar on the Shanghai Futures Exchange was little changed at 2,264 yuan a tonne after rising as high as 2,288 yuan on Tuesday

NOBLE ALLOYS PRICES FALL IN EUROPE

Noble alloys prices in Europe fell on Wednesday June 29, as sellers looked to get rid of material ahead of the traditional summer shutdown period for steelmakers.

Metal Bulletin's Molybdic oxide prices dropped to $7.30-7.50 per lb, from $7.70-7.80 previously, while ferro-molybdenum prices fell to $17.30-17.90 per kg, from $17.70-18.10. Market participants said the main reason for the declines in recent days was the expectation of an influx of material from China.

THYSSENKRUPP CONTINUES TO INVEST IN MEXICO

The industrial and technology group thyssenkrupp continues to invest in Mexico. Together with Miguel Márquez Márquez, Governor of Guanajuato, the company presented its latest growth plans in Essen. 

At the new auto components park started last year in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, the Group plans to build a further plant for active and passive damper systems.

 At the beginning of the year thyssenkrupp began the construction of a production plant for cylinder head covers with integrated camshafts at the site. thyssenkrupp is investing altogether around 150 million euros in the new industrial park. 

Production supplies to OEMs in North America are planned from 2017/2018. The 200,000 square meter components site will create up to 750 new jobs.

EXCESSO DE OFERTA E ONDA PROTECIONISTA TRAZEM TENSÃO AO SETOR SIDERÚRGICO

Em meio a excesso global de produção e declínio da demanda, a tensão aumenta no mercado internacional de aço, com a China ameaçando denunciar os Estados Unidos na Organização Mundial do Comércio (OMC) sob alegação de abuso de barreiras contra seus produtos.

De seu lado, fontes do governo brasileiro não escondem "preocupação crescente" com medidas ou ameaças que vem sendo levantadas contra o aço brasileiro no exterior, em mercados como os EUA, Tailândia, Índia, Taiwan e agora Malásia.

Para Marco Polo de Mello Lopes, presidente do Instituto Aço Brasil, que representa a industria siderúrgica brasileira, a tensão é evidente com um excesso de capacidade global de 700 milhões de toneladas, das quais 400 milhões de toneladas desse excesso estão na China. Para se ter uma ideia, a capacidade produtiva brasileira é de cerca de 50 milhões de toneladas.

HRC PRICE GOES TO US$ 620 IN THE U.S. AND TO US$ 435 IN NORTH EUROPE

The price of HRC dropped 0.3% last week in the U.S., to US$ 620 per short ton.

The price also fell in South Europe (-2.1%) and in Asia (-1,4). It went up just in North Europe (+0.2%).

The average prices and variation for the period, according to TSI, were:

- North Europe (€/tonne) 435 (+0.2%)

- South Europe (€/tonne) 412 (-2.1%)

- USA (US$/short ton) 620 (-0.3%)

 - Asean Imports (US$/tonne) 340 (-1.4%)

METINVEST BOND HOLDERS APPROVE EXTENSION OF MORATORIUM ON PAYMENTS ON SECURITIES

The holders of eurobonds of Metinvest B.V. (the Netherlands), the parent company of Metinvest international vertically integrated mining and steel group, have unanimously approved the extension until September 30, 2016 of a temporary moratorium on payment on securities with a total nominal value of $1.176 billion (after interest capitalization on May 27, 2016).

According to a group report on the website of the Irish Stock Exchange, the relevant bondholders' meeting was held on June 28.

The moratorium will come into effect if sanctioned by the High Court of Justice of England and Wales. Court hearing on the case is scheduled for June 30, 2016. In addition, the moratorium could be extended until November 30, 2016.

USIMINAS NÃO PODERÁ DEMITIR ATÉ DIA 1o. DE JULHO

Uma reunião entre a Usiminas e sindicatos representantes de engenheiros e metalúrgicos decidiu que a empresa não poderá demitir nenhum funcionário até o dia 1º de julho.

O encontro foi realizado nesta terça-feira (28), na sede do Ministério Público do Trabalho (MPT) em Santos, no litoral de São Paulo, após a siderúrgica anuciar um corte de mais de 500 trabalhadores.

No encontro, ficou decidido que a empresa não poderá demitir nenhum trabalhador até o término do processo de mediação.Participaram da reunião representantes da Usiminas, do Sindicato dos Siderúrgicos e Metalúrgicos da Baixada Santista e do Sindicato Dos Engenheiros no Estado de São Paulo.

WORTHINGTON REPORTS NET EARNINGS OF US$ 58.5 MILLION

Worthington Industries, Inc.  reported this Wednesday net sales of $714.7 million and net earnings of $58.5 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for its fiscal 2016 fourth quarter ended May 31, 2016. 

Net earnings in the quarter include pre-tax restructuring charges totaling $1.9 million and a $6.9 million pre-tax gain related to the consolidation of the results of the Company's Worthington Specialty Processing (WSP) joint venture with U.S. Steel, as described under "Fiscal 2016 Highlights" below. The net after-tax impact of these items increased earnings per diluted share by $0.05.

PREÇO DO MINÉRIO DE FERRO VAI A US$ 53,65

O preço do minério de ferro caiu 0,4% nesta quinta-feira e foi para US$ 53,65 por t.

A cotação é para o produto 62% negociado em Qingdao, segundo o Metal Bulletin.

IRON ORE PRICE GOES TO US$ 53.65

Iron ore price had a slight fall of 0.4% this Wednesday, to US$ 53.65 per tonne.

The price is for the product 62% negotiated in Qingdao, according to the Metal Bulletin.

SAMARCO IS THE COMPANY THAT CAUSES MORE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGES IN BRAZIL, SAYS RESEARCH

Samarco was appointed as the company that causes more environmental damages in Brazil.

The informaion is from the company Market Analysis, that announced a ranking of companies according to environmental actions perceived by the publik.

The same ranking appoints Vale -- that controls Samarco together with BHP Billiton -- in the second place among the companies that are more environmental responsible in Brazil.

SAMARCO É ESCOLHIDA COMO EMPRESA QUE CAUSA MAIS DANOS AMBIENTAIS

A Samarco foi escolhida a empresa que mais causa danos ambientais no Brasil, conforme o “Ranking de Sustentabilidade Empresarial - Melhores e piores empresas em responsabilidade socioambiental aos olhos dos brasileiros”, feito pela Market Analysis. 

Por outro lado, a Vale, uma das controladoras da Samarco junto com a BHP BIlliton, ficou em segundo lugar entre as companhias mais responsáveis ambientalmente no país.

ARCELORMITTAL BUYS BACK BONDS WORTH US$ 576 MILLION

Steel giant ArcelorMittal has bought back securities worth $576.30 million in cash of its bonds worth up to $600 million, which are due to mature in 2020 and 2021, according to a regulatory filing.

Earlier this month, the world’s largest steelmaker had announced the launch of its tender offers.

The offers were to purchase for cash up to maximum tender amount in aggregate of its outstanding 5.125 per cent Notes due June 1, 2020, 5.250 per cent Notes due August 5, 2020 and 5.500 per cent Notes due March 1, 2021 and, together with the June 2020 Notes and August 2020 Notes.

TATA STEEL PLANS TO INVEST IN MODERNISING ITS DUTCH OPERATIONS

Indian steel group Tata Steel, which owns the former Hoogovens plant in IJmuiden, is planning to invest hundreds of millions of euros in modernising its Dutch operations, the Volkskrant said. 

At the same time, the company is to investigate possible further efficiency measures, the paper said. 

The investments in the Netherlands include building a production line for stronger but lighter and thinner steel for the car industry. 

‘This will improve our position on the car market,’ spokesman Robert Moens said. The project, which will take three years, will cost €200m to complete.

CHINA'S GDP IS EXPECTED TO GROW 6.7% IN THE 2nd QUARTER

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) has said China’s GDP is expected to increase by 6.7 percent in the second quarter this year.

CHINA MAINTAINED STABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SECOND QUARTER, SAYS PREMIER

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has said China has maintained stable economic growth in Q2 this year against the backdrop of the slowing global economy.

AÇÕES DA VALE SOBEM 4,7% PARA R$ 12,56

As ações preferenciais da Vale (VALE5) tiveram alta de 4,75% nesta terça-feira na BM&FBovespa.

O preço de fechamento do papel foi de R$ 12,56.

VALE ADR JUMPS 7.3% TO US$ 4.70

Vale ADR went up 7.3% this Tuesday at Nyse.

The ADR had the closing price of US$ 4.70.

PRECISION PIPE SUPPLIES CULVERT REHABILITATION SYSTEM TO CHAPEL HILL

Precision Pipe and Products Inc., Birmingham, Ala., has announced that its INFRASTEEL® culvert rehabilitation system has been chosen by Chapel Hill, N.C., for its Booker Creek Culvert At Elliot Road Rehabilitation Project.

The company will provide an INFRASTEEL 180- by 105-in. slip-liner to preserve the existing failing bridge structure and prevent a road closure.

According to Precision Pipe & Products executive Cullom Walker, “Hydrostructures of Pittsboro engineered the project using INFRASTEEL 242 because it can be manufactured to match the exact shape of the existing barrels. The slip-liner also maintains hydraulic capacity and increases the stability of the culvert structure.”

The steel liner will be slip-lined into place, and the annular space will be grouted. This process will provide a culvert life expectancy of 50 to 100 years, according to Walker.

BHP BILLITON HIKES EXPLORATION SPENDING WITH FOCUS ON COPPER AND OIL

World’s No. 1 mining company BHP Billiton will raise its annual exploration spending by 29%, allocating nearly all tis US$ 900 million budget to finding new copper and oil deposits, which the miner has singled out as the key resources that will bolster its future growth.

The budget increase comes despite the Melbourne-based mining giant’s decision to cut overall capital expenditure to $5 billion in the year beginning next month, compared to a peak of $25 billion in fiscal 2013.

THE PANAMA CANAL EXPANSION USED ENOUGH STEEL TO BUILD 22 EIFFEL TOWERS

The Cosco Shipping Panama freighter made history Sunday by being the first working ship to slip through the Panama Canal’s huge new locks.

The expansion project swallowed enough steel to build 22 Eiffel Towers, cost $5.2 billion and took nine years to complete. It will allow the giant “New Panamax” class of container ships and supertankers to sail through the 48-mile-long waterway that slices through the narrow isthmus that separates North and South America.

These ships can carry as many as 14,000 containers and the star freighter on Sunday had almost 10,000 stacked on board like Jenga blocks. That’s nearly twice as many as the largest ships that have been motoring through until now.

MEXICAN AHMSA LAUNCHED STEEL PLATE PLANT

Mexican steelmaker Ahmsa launched a normalized steel plate plant, aimed at supplying the shipbuilding industry.

The US$140mn plant will have capacity of 350,000t/y of steel in its initial phase, with processing mainly carried out in the Steckel mill, according to local news website Infonor.

MEXICO'S LARGEST STEELMAKER STARTS UP NORMALISING LINE FOR HEAVY PLATE

Mexico’s largest integrated steelmaker, Altos Hornos de México (Ahmsa), officially commissioned its plate normalising line on Monday June 27, following a $140 million investment.

BRAZILIAN CSN CRITICIZES CAPITAL INCREASE AT USIMINAS

Brazilian steelmaker CSN has questioned the capital increase at Usiminas, as well as recent decisions by that company’s main shareholders, Ternium and NSSMC Group.

TURKISH SCRAP IMPORT PRICES ROSE

Turkish scrap import prices rose on Tuesday June 28 with a flurry of new cargoes being sold from Northern Europe, the UK and the USA, Steel First has heard.

AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS TO ACQUIRE DURA COAT

Philadelphia-based Axalta Coating Systems, a supplier of liquid and powder coatings, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dura Coat Products, a manufacturer of coatings for metal coil and related markets based in Riverside, Calif.

Axalta will initially purchase a majority stake in Dura Coat in Q3 2016 and the remaining shares by January 2019.

GERDAU PLANEJA PRODUZIR A PLENA CAPACIDADE NA ÍNDIA NO FINAL DE 2017

A Gerdau anunciou que espera alcançar a plena capacidade em suas unidade na Índia  no final de 2017, em linha com o crescimento da indústria automobilística do país.

A Gerdau produz aço em uma planta em Tadipatri, com capacidade de produzir 260 mil toneladas.

O diretor da Gerdau Steel India, Sridhar Krishnamoorthy, prevê que no final do próximo ano a unidade chegará à capacidade total de 325 mil t.