South African iron ore exports increased 17% in Apr’19 to 6.09 MnT, as against 5.21 MnT in Mar’19. On yearly basis, exports increased 6% as against 5.75 MnT in Apr’18.
China stood largest importer of iron ore from South Africa for the month at 3.24 MnT, up slightly as against 3.22 MnT in previous month. Chinese imports from South Africa favored amidst global material availability crises caused due to Vale’s dam disaster. Netherland stood second largest importer at 0.8 MnT followed by United States at 0.41 MnT.
Indian imports from South Africa increased significantly to 0.16 MnT in Apr’19 as compared to 0.01 MnT in Mar’19.
South Africa’s Transnet (Transport Company) is installing iron ore tippler at Saldanha port terminal to sustain current output of 60 MnT p.a. The purpose of installation is to replace the older two tipplers. The operation is expected to start by July’20.
SA Coal exports down 10% in Apr’19
Data provided by South African customs indicate that the country had exported 6.61 MnT coal during Apr’19, down 10% M-o-M from 7.35 MnT in Mar’19. Export volumes were also 4% lower on the year from 6.86 MnT in Apr’18.
South African coal exports have suffered a poor April with seaborne volumes dropping from the previous month amid slack demand. Traditionally, April is not a strong month for coal demand as it falls between the winter and summer power demand peaks –accordingly seaborne volumes are expected to be low.
However, South Africa had witnessed a strong coal off take to its major coal customer-India. In fact, coal receivers from the previous month- Spain, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, all had posted nil imports during Apr’19.
South African ferro alloy exports remained stable in Apr’19
South African Ferro Alloys exports remained stable in Apr’19 as compared to the previous month. Manganese Ore and Ferro Chrome Exports witnessed a decrease of 6.4% and 3.1% respectively in Apr’19 as compared to Mar’18. However, in Apr’19 Chrome Ore exports is up by 8.3% as compared to the previous month.
Manganese Ore Exports increased by 5.3% from 1.52 MnT in Apr’18 to 1.60 MnT in Apr’19. Chrome Ore Exports were significantly high in Apr’19 as compared to previous year same period, exports in Apr’19 were 1.30 MnT. However, Ferro Manganese Exports fell by 33% in Apr’19 as compared to Apr’18. China, Mozambique, and India remained the top three contributors in South African Ferro Alloys Exports.
South African pig iron exports down 42% in Apr’19
South African pig iron exports dropped to 26,516 MT as against 45,446 MT a month ago. On yearly basis, exports fell 52% as compared to 55,293 MT in Apr’18.
South African pig iron exports narrowed down owing to sharp surge in pig iron export offers globally by USD 20-30/MT during Mar-Apr’19 amidst limited availability of cargoes due to short supply.
Ferrous scrap exports down 19% in Apr’19
South Africa exported 27,798 MT of ferrous scrap in April’19, dropping by 19% M-o-M against 34,211 MT in March’19 majorly on limited bookings witnessed from South Asia. On yearly premises, exports dropped 32% Y-o-Y as against 40,630 MT ferrous scrap in Apr’18.
Lower bookings from India were observed for April shipment on account of uncertainty in the market amid political election in Apr-May’19. Also, sources had pointed out that there were some issues with the South African customs department during this period.
India remained the largest importer occupying a share of 66% in total scrap exports in April’19. It imported 18,392 MT in Apr’19, witnessing a drop of 24% M-o-M against 24,310 MT imported in Mar’19. Bangladesh witnessed a drop of 48% M-o-M and imported just 3,528 MT in Apr‘19, with 13% share. Followed by Pakistan (2,193 MT, up 44%) and Kenya (2,610 MT, up 180% M-o-M) occupying 8% and 9% share respectively.
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