Japan Iron Ore Imports Increase 17% M-o-M in May’18

Japan, the second largest iron ore importer of the world, recorded iron ore imports at 11.61 MnT in May’18. The imports witnessed an increase of 17% in May’18 as against 9.91 MnT in Apr’18. On yearly basis, the imports witnessed a rise of 8% as against 10.74 MnT in May’17.

In May’18, Japan’s crude steel output increased by 4% to 9.09 MnT in May’18 against 8.71 MnT in Apr’18.On yearly basis, the output remained stable against 8.92 MnT in May’17.

For Jan-May’18, the total imports stood at 52.23 MnT, in line with same period previous year at 52.54 MnT.

The non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore imports in May’18 witnessed at 10.15 MnT, up 16% M-o-M as against Apr’18 imports at 8.77 MnT. On yearly basis imports stood up 4% compared to 9.72 MnT in May’17.

Agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) imports recorded at 1.45 MnT in May’18, an increase of 26% M-o-M in May’18 as against 1.15 MnT in Apr’18. The agglomerated ore imports in May’18 stood 42% up on yearly basis as against 1.02 MnT in May’17.

Japan Iron ore imports from Australia stable M-o-M in May’18

Australia continues to remain the largest iron ore exporter to Japan in the month of May’18 with total quantity of 6.09 MnT, (stable on monthly basis) contributing 52% share of total Janpaese import, followed by Brazil at 4.19 MnT (up almost two folds M-o-M).

South Africa and Ukraine recorded significant increase in May’18 exports at 0.39 MnT (up more than two folds M-o-M) and 0.27 MnT (stood nil in Apr’18) respectively.

Canada and India recorded a decline in monthly iron ore exports in May’18 at 0.37 MnT, and 0.08 MnT respectively.

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

Quantity in MnT
Source: Japan Customs
Provisional Data