Australia – world’s largest iron ore exporter has recorded rise in iron ore shipment for Apr’19, according to the vessel line up data maintained with SteelMint. Australia’s iron ore export shipments recorded at 69.22 MnT in Apr’19, up 27% as compared to 54.44 MnT in Mar’19. On yearly basis, Australia iron ore exports dropped 4% as against 72.05 MnT in Apr’18.
Australian iron ore exports increased for the month amidst resumption by major Australian miners post cyclone hit the Australia western Pilbara region in Mar’19. The cyclone resulted in suspension of Port Hedland, Dampier and Cape Lambert, affectedthe normal operations at the ports. As a result, the exports by the major miners, BHP Billiton, FMG and Rio tinto supply were hampered and the miners reduced the iron ore production forecast for the year.
For Jan-Apr’19 the total Australian iron ore exports recorded 7% decline at 257.13 MnT as against 277.91 MnT for the same duration last year (Jan-Apr’18).
Australian exports to China up 21% in Apr’19
China marked the largest importer of Australian iron ore in Apr’19 at 55.16 MnT, up 21% against 45.52 MnT in Mar’19. The exports to China increased amidst rise in construction activities in China for the month of April.
Korea stood the second largest importer at 5.46 MnT (up more than two folds M-o-M), followed by Japan at 5.29 MnT (up 23%).
Country-wise Iron Ore Exports
| Country | Apr-19 | Mar-19 |
| China | 55.16 | 45.52 |
| Japan | 5.29 | 4.30 |
| Korea | 5.46 | 2.55 |
| Taiwan | 1.58 | 0.76 |
| Vietnam | 0.68 | 0.51 |
| Indonesia | 0.69 | 0.18 |
| Others | 0.36 | 0.62 |
| Total | 69.22 | 54.44 |
Qty in MnT
Source: SteelMint Stats and GAC Shipping,
Provisional Data
Port Hedland iron ore exports picked up 18% in Apr’19
In Apr’19, Port Hedland exported 42.38 MnT, up 18% against 35.95 MnT in Mar’19, followed by Walcott at 13.40 MnT (up 48% M-o-M) and Dampier at 12.56 MnT (up 49% on monthly basis). Exports from port Hedland and Dampier picked up post resumption after being hit by cyclone in Mar’19.
Average global iron ore fines prices up 8% in Apr’19
Monthly average global iron ore fines (Fe 62%) prices increased to USD 93/MT, CFR China in Apr’19 as against USD 86/MT, CFR China in Mar’19.
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