MG/ES

The world-wide iron ore market demands today 537 million tons. Brazil is the biggest world-wide iron ore producer and exporter, followed by Australia. Iron ore is among the five main products of the Brazilian exportation.

The last industrial development cycle promoted a new relationship in the iron ore international market. Deposits, until then distant from the main consuming markets, had become accessible due the construction of supergranary ships. The larger volume of load carried by trip allowed to a cost reduction in transportation, inserting the Brazilian iron ore in the international market. CVRD dominates 33% of the iron ore transoceanic market.

The global steel commerce entered in a new stage, defined by international industrial reorganization. 60% of the steel commerce occurs within the regions, the remain being interregional. The steel commerce is more strategic and integrated, and increasingly dominated by China offer and demand.

The Brazilian steel industry has an important role, even if in decline, in the world-wide exports. The part of Brazil in the steel exportations was scrumbled due to the growth of the domestic market. But the Brazilian steel industry tends to increase its participation in the world-wide market, because the low costs and increased demand for basic manufactured products.