Australia: Iron Ore Exports Down 15% M-o-M in Jan19

Australia - world's largest iron ore exporter has recorded decline in export shipments in Jan19, according to the vessel line up data maintained with SteelMint.

Australia's iron ore export shipments recorded at 65.54 MnT in Jan19, as compared to 77.37 MnT in Dec18. On yearly basis, the exports dropped 6% as against 69.79 MnT in Jan18.

Average global iron ore fines prices up 10% in Jan’19

Monthly average global iron ore fines (Fe 62%) prices increased 10% to USD 76/MT, CFR China in Jan’19 compared to USD 69/MT, CFR China in Dec’18.

The Vale dam disaster led to hike in global iron ore prices towards end of Jan’19. The iron ore prices increased from USD 72/MT, CFR China in early Jan’19 to USD 85/MT, CFR China towards end of Jan’19.

Australian exports to China down 13% in Jan19

China marked the largest importer of Australian iron ore in Jan19 at 53.67 MnT, contributing 82% of total Australian exports for the year, down 13% against 61.77 MnT in Dec18. China is largest destination (contributing 80- 85%) of Australian iron ore exports, hence, a change in Chinese market affects Australian exports. Amidst liberal winter production cuts in China this year led to decline in high grade ore (from Australia) demand by Chinese mills.

Japan stood the second largest importer at 5.16 MnT (down 33% M-o-M), followed by Korea at 4.3 MnT.

Port Headland iron ore export down 9% in Jan19

In Jan19, port Headland marked largest exporter at 41.54 MnT, down 9% against 45.53 MnT in Dec’18, followed by Walcott at 12.76 MnT (down 30% M-o-M) and Dampier at 9.79 MnT (down 23% on monthly basis).