Japan: Iron Ore Import Drops 14% in July’18

Japan, the second largest iron ore importer of the world, recorded iron ore imports at 9.24 MnT in July’18 as against 10.69 MnT in June’18. On yearly basis, imports witnessed drop of 10% as compared to July’17 imports at 10.32 MnT.

For the duration Jan-July’18, the total imports by the country recorded at 72.16 MnT, down slightly as against 73.49 MnT last year same duration (Jan-July’17).

Japan’s Crude Steel output dropped in July’18

In July’18, Japan’s crude steel output decreased by 4% to 8.42 MnT as against 8.75 MnT in June’18.On yearly basis, the output declined by 2% compared to July’17 imports at 8.59.

The non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore imports in July’18 witnessed at 7.88 MnT, down 16% M-o-M as against June’18 imports at 9.38 MnT. On yearly basis, imports were down by 13% compared to July’17 imports at 9.06 MnT.

Agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) imports recorded at 1.35 MnT in July’18, up marginally as against 1.32 MnT in June’18. On yearly basis imports in July’18 increased by 7% as against 1.26 MnT in Jul’17.

Australian exports to Japan down 8% M-o-M

Australia continues to remain the largest iron ore exporter to Japan in the month of July’18 with total quantity of 5.91 MnT, (down 8% on monthly basis) contributing 64% share of total Japanese import for the month, followed by Brazil at 2.03 MnT (down 35% M-o-M).

Indian exports for the month declined by 25% to 0.06 MnT compared to 0.08 MnT a month before. Exports from NMDC, India recorded nil for fourth consecutive month since Apr’18.

Country Wise Iron Ore Import

Quantity in MnT
Source: Japan Customs
Provisional Data