India’s Iron Ore Imports from South Africa Doubled in Nov’17

India imported 0.47 MnT iron ore from South Africa in Nov’17 compared to 0.25 MnT in Oct’17.

South Africa – world’s 3rd largest iron ore exporter after Australia and Brazil has exported 5.83 MnT in Nov’17, according to the trade data released by South African Customs.

South African iron ore exports have increased by 3% M-o-M in Nov’17 against 5.64 MnT in Oct’17. However, it was down by 4% on yearly basis compared to Nov’16 which was 6.1 MnT.

During Jan-Nov’17, South Africa exported 60.56 MnT iron ore up by 4% against same period last year which was stood at 58.35 MnT.

In Nov’17, an agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) iron ore exports were down 5% M-o-M to 3.48 MnT, against 3.67 MnT in Oct’17. The Y-o-Y iron ore exports witnessed a decrease of 3% in Nov’17 as against Nov’16 which stood at 3.59 MnT.

However, the non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore exports were up 20% M-o-M to 2.36 MnT in Nov’17 against 1.96 MnT in Oct’17. Exports witnessed a decline of 6% in Nov’17 as compared to Nov’16 which stood at 2.5 MnT.

Country- wise South Africa Iron Ore Exports-:

China continues to remain the largest iron ore importer from South Africa in the month of Nov’17 and imported 4.29 MnT iron ore in Nov’17 followed by India (0.47 MnT), South Korea (0.28 MnT) and Japan (0.28 MnT).

India’s iron ore imports from South Africa doubled in Nov’17 – India’s iron ore imports increased by 88% M-o-M to 0.47 MnT in Nov’17 against 0.25 MnT in Oct’17. West India (Gujarat) based steel mills are actively looking for South African lump amid scheduled maintenance shutdown at Jindal SAW which a major source of pellets for Gujarat mills. Also, Goa-based importers like Shraddha Ispat and southern India based steel maker – Kamachi Group had booked lump vessel from South Africa.