Australia Iron Ore Exports Up 6% in Aug’19

Australia - world's largest iron ore exporter has recorded rise in iron ore shipment in Aug’19, according to the vessel line up data maintained with SteelMint. Australia's iron ore export shipments recorded at 75.51 MnT in Aug'19, up 6% as compared to 71.03 MnT in July’19. China marked the largest importer of Australian iron ore in Aug'19 at 62.21 MnT, up 8% M-o-M.

However Brazilian miner - Vale announced operation halt at its Viga concentration plant, which is part of newly acquired Ferrous Resources do Brasil (acquired on 1st Aug’19), due to permit issues. So it seems China increased its import volumes from Australia to compensate for Brazilian short supplies.

For CY’19 (Jan-Aug), the total Australian iron ore exports recorded declined by about 12 MnT to 556.94 MnT as against 568.73 MnT for same period CY18 (Jan-Aug’18). The exports dropped amid hindrance in exports caused due to tropical cyclone in Australia in Mar'19. As a consequence, major Australian miners reduced their shipments for the year.

Australian exports to China up 8% in Aug’19

China marked the largest importer of Australian iron ore in Aug'19 at 62.21 MnT, up 8% as against 57.75 MnT in July’19. Japan stood second largest importer for the month at 5.75 MnT followed by Korea at 5.16 MnT.

Australian exports to India recorded nil for the fifth consecutive month.

Port Hedland iron ore exports picked up 10% in Aug'19

In Aug'19, Port Hedland exported 45.41 MnT, up 10% against 41.30 MnT in July'19, followed by Walcott at 16.36 MnT (down 4% M-o-M) and Dampier at 12.63 MnT (up 13%).