South Africa: Ferrous Scrap Exports Up; Pig Iron Exports Down in Jan’19

Ferrous Scrap exports up 18% M-o-M – South Africa exported 31,046 MT ferrous scrap in Jan’19, up 18% M-o-M against 26,381 MT in Dec’18. On yearly premises, scrap exports increased 12% Y-o-Y as against 27,752 MT in Jan’18, recently released customs data showed.

India remained the largest Scrap importer – The largest scrap importer India occupied the highest 73% share in total South African scrap exports in Jan’19. India imported 22,778 MT in Jan’19, up 30% M-o-M against 17,466 MT ferrous scrap in Dec’18. Followed by other prominent importers were Bangladesh (4,980 MT, down 14% M-o-M), Pakistan (2,411 MT, up 12% M-o-M) and Indonesia (748 MT) occupying 16%, 8% and 2% share in Jan’19.

Port-wise – Durban port remained the top port for scrap export activities in Jan’19 occupying 74% share. Exports from Durban port recorded at 23,103 MT followed by other prominent ports like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth occupying 10%, 8% and 6% share.

Prices – South African containerized HMS 1&2 offers remained limited in Jan’19 amid low collection on seasonal concerns. Average export price of HMS 1&2 was recorded at USD 322-323/MT, CFR Nhava Sheva in Jan’19 as against USD 330/MT, CFR levels in Dec’18. Latest HMS 1&2 offers from South Africa stand in the range USD 328-330/MT, CFR India.

Pig Iron exports down 27% M-o-M – South Africa exported 43,635 MT Pig Iron in Jan’19, down 27% M-o-M against 59,908 MT in Dec’18 however, on yearly premises, scrap exports jumped 48% Y-o-Y as against 29,519 MT in Jan’18.

Netherland remained the largest Pig Iron importer – The largest Pig Iron importer Netherland, occupied highest 29% share in total South African Pig Iron exports in Jan’19. Netherland imported 12,500 MT in Jan’19, which increased sharply by 213% M-o-M against 4,000 MT pig iron imports in Dec’18.

Followed by other prominent importers were United States (9,500 MT, down 25% M-o-M), Bangladesh (5,595 MT, down 31% M-o-M), India (3,567 MT, down 54% M-o-M) and Italy (3,000 MT, down 56% M-o-M) occupying 22%, 13%, 8% and 7% share in Jan’19.