Japan: Iron Ore Imports Decline 13% Y-o-Y in Apr’18

Japan, the second largest iron ore importer of the world, recorded a decline of 13% Y-o-Y to 9.91MnT in Apr’18 as against 11.39 MnT in Apr’17. However, the imports witnessed stability on monthly basis as against 9.87 MnT in Mar’18.

In Apr’18, Japan’s crude steel output fell by 4% to 8.72 MnT in Apr’18 against 9.08 MnT in Mar’18. However, on yearly basis, the crude steel output remained stable in Apr’18 against 8.75 MnT in Apr’17.

For Jan-Apr’18, the total imports stood at 40.61 MnT, down marginally by 3% against same period previous year which was 41.81 MnT.

The non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore imports in Apr’18 witnessed at 8.77 MnT, in line with Mar’18 imports at 8.71 MnT. However, on yearly basis imports stood 14% down as against 10.24 MnT in Apr’17.

Agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) imports witnessed 1.15MnT in Apr’18 in line with previous month and yearly basis.

Japan Iron ore imports from Australia down 9% M-o-M

Australia continues to remain the largest iron ore exporter to Japan in the month of Apr’18 with total quantity of 5.96 MnT, contributing 60% of total import share (down 9% M-o-M), followed by Brazil at 2.15 MnT (up 3% M-o-M).

Canada recorded third largest exporter at 0.82 MnT in Apr’18, increase to more than twice on monthly basis.

Peru and United States recorded Apr’18 exports at 0.15 MnT and 0.12 MnT respectively which stood nil a month before.

Country Wise Iron Ore Import Apr’18 v/s Mar’18

Quantity in MnT
Source: Japan Customs
Provisional Data