Australia’s iron ore (including pellets) export shipments witnessed a marginal fall of 3% in April 2022 to 68.05 million tonnes (mnt) as compared to 69.9 mnt in March 2022, according to vessel line-up data maintained with SteelMint.
Production at key Australian mines was impacted due to supply chain issues while pandemic-related labour problems impacted shipments from the country.
Exports to China down 3%
Australia’s iron ore export shipments to the largest importer, China, recorded a 3% m-o-m fall at 56.27 mnt in April as against the previous month’s 57.7 mnt, thus, decreasing the overall export volumes. China’s iron ore sourcing most probably decreased because of a sudden surge in Covid-19 cases across large parts of the country followed by strict lockdown restrictions.
South Korea was the second-largest among the top importers’ list in April 2022. The country imported 4.62 mnt of iron ore from Australia, followed by Japan at 3.91 mnt.
Shipper-wise performance
BHP’s shipments stood at 29.9 mnt in April followed by Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals at 22.6 mnt and 9.91 mnt, respectively.
Exports from Port Hedland edge down
Port Hedland exported 43.9 mnt of iron ore in the month under review, inching down by 1.5% m-o-m compared to 44.6 mnt in March. Exports from Port Walcott stood at 12.9 mnt, followed by Port Dampier at 9.63 mnt.
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