Japan, the second largest iron ore importer of the world, recorded iron ore imports at 10.97 MnT in Aug’18, up 19% as against 9.24 MnT in July’18. On yearly basis, imports witnessed 10% rise as compared to Aug’17 imports at 9.94 MnT.
For the duration CY’18 (Jan-Aug), the total imports by the country recorded at 83.12 MnT, in line with last year (Jan-Aug’17) imports at 83.43 MnT.
Japan’s Crude Steel output up 5% in Aug’18
In Aug’18, Japan’s crude steel output recorded 5% increase to 8.81 MnT as against 8.42 MnT in previous month. However, on yearly basis, the output witnessed slight increase as against Aug’17 production at 8.73 MnT.
Japanese imports of Fines and Lumps increased 25% M-o-M
Out of the total imports of 10.97 MnT iron ore, 90% of imports were contributed by non-agglomerated ore (fines/lump) at 9.83 MnT, up 25% on monthly basis. On yearly basis, imports witnessed rise of 15% against 8.53 MnT in Aug’17.
The remaining 10% of imports were Agglomerated ore (pellets/concentrate) at 1.14 MnT, down 16% M-o-M. On yearly basis, imports dropped 19% as compared to 1.4 MnT in Aug’17.
| Type of Ore | Aug-18 | Jul-18 | M-o-M (%) | Jan-Aug’18 | Jan-Aug’17 | Y-o-Y (%) |
| Fines/Lumps | 9.83 | 7.88 | 25% | 73.24 | 73.83 | -1% |
| Pellet/Concentrate | 1.14 | 1.35 | -16% | 9.88 | 9.58 | 3% |
| Grand Total | 10.97 | 9.24 | 19% | 83.12 | 83.43 | 0% |
Australia contributes more than half of Japan’s iron ore imports
Australia continues to remain the largest iron ore exporter to Japan in the month of Aug’18 with total quantity of 5.95 MnT, contributing 54% share of total Japanese import for the month, followed by Brazil at 3.18 MnT (up 57% M-o-M) and South Africa at 0.54 MnT (up 74% on monthly basis).
Ukraine and Peru exports recorded at 0.17 MnT and 0.16 MnT respectively in Aug’18 against being nil a months before.
Country Wise Iron Ore Import
| Country | Aug-18 | Jul-18 | M-o-M (%) | Jan-Aug’18 | Jan-Aug’17 | Y-o-Y (%) |
| Australia | 5.95 | 5.91 | 1% | 49.06 | 49.52 | -1% |
| Brazil | 3.18 | 2.03 | 57% | 22.19 | 21.6 | 3% |
| South Africa | 0.54 | 0.31 | 74% | 2.62 | 2.68 | -2% |
| Chile | 0.35 | 0.08 | 338% | 1.22 | 0.87 | 40% |
| Canada | 0.33 | 0.73 | -55% | 3.97 | 3.42 | 16% |
| Ukraine | 0.17 | 0 | 100% | 0.69 | 0.88 | -22% |
| Peru | 0.16 | 0 | 100% | 0.46 | 0.53 | -13% |
| Others | 0.28 | 0.19 | 47% | 2.9 | 3.94 | -26% |
| Grand Total | 10.97 | 9.24 | 19% | 83.12 | 83.43 | 0% |
Quantity in MnT
Source: Japan Customs
Provisional Data
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