According to the preliminary information released by the Brazilian Ministry of Development Industry and Foreign Trade, Brazil's iron ore export volume amounted to 27.2 million tonnes in May this year increasing 16.4% compared to April and up by 1.4% compared to the same month of 2012.

Brazil's iron ore export value in May was also up 16.4% compared to the previous month, and rose by 7.2% compared to the same month of 2012, totaling USD 2.95 billion.

In May, Brazil's export volume of semi-finished products of iron and steel amounted to 353,700 tonnes decreasing 32.6% compared to the previous month and down 46.1% compared to the same month of 2012, while these exports were valued at USD 238 million, decreasing by 11.3% compared to April and down 39.9% YoY.

Meanwhile, in May Brazil's flat steel exports totaled 144,400 tonnes decreasing 20% from April and down 39% YoY. The revenue generated by these exports in May totaled USD 134 million falling 6.1% MoM and down 34.7% from the May 2012 level.