- Chinese restocking keeps Aug’25 figures high
- Indian exports fall as monsoon shrinks supply
Iron ore exports from all major producing regions worldwide (except for India), showed mixed trends in August 2025, though they were healthy in terms of cumulative volume. Indian shipments were down by 39% m-o-m due to material shortages following the monsoon.
Australia’s exports hold firm m-o-m
Australia’s iron ore and pellet export shipments stood at 72.90 million tonnes (mnt) in August, largely stable against 73.6 mnt in July, according to vessel line-up data compiled by BigMint.
China remained the top importer, receiving 61.4 mnt (stable m-o-m), followed by Japan and South Korea with 4.7 mnt and 3.3 mnt, respectively.
Rio Tinto was the leading exporter with 27.7 mnt (falling by 7% m-o-m), closely trailed by BHP at 22.6 mnt, and FMG at 17.3 mnt.
Volumes were supported by smoother vessel clearances at major Pilbara ports, such as Port Hedland and Dampier, following earlier weather-related disruptions. However, a slight decline was noted due to rising competition from Brazilian and African suppliers, which weighed on Chinese intake of Australian ore.
Exports from Brazil climb higher by 13% m-o-m
Brazil’s iron ore exports jumped by 12.6% to 42.46 mnt in August against 37.72 mnt in the previous month. Additionally, exports rose by 24.9% from 34 mnt in August 2024.
China remained the largest importer, taking in 24.06 mnt, followed by Japan at 1.41 mnt and Oman at 1.24 mnt.
Brazil’s iron ore exports witnessed a strong surge, driven by rising demand from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region followed by China’s infrastructure-focused stimulus measures. Additionally, favourable weather conditions across Brazil’s mining regions boosted production and trading activities, further supporting the export growth.
South African exports rise 17% m-o-m
South Africa’s iron ore exports increased by 17% to 5.22 mnt in August compared to 4.46 mnt in July, as per vessel line-up data maintained by BigMint. Moreover, export volumes climbed up by 6.3% from 4.91 mnt in August 2024.
China remained the leading importer with 2.08 mnt (21% drop m-o-m), followed by the Netherlands at 0.66 mnt.
Exporters were able to push more volumes into the seaborne market, as smoother port operations allowed clearance of previously delayed cargoes. Additionally, renewed restocking demand from Chinese mills in the latter half of the month provided some support to volumes, helping offset a larger fall.
India’s exports plunge by 39% m-o-m
India’s iron ore and pellet exports recorded a fall of 39.4% m-o-m to 0.83 mnt in August from 1.37 mnt in July. Moreover, shipments saw a decline of 55.1% against 1.85 mnt in the year-ago period.
China remained the largest importer with 0.54 mnt, followed by Malaysia with 0.12 mnt.
Indian exports declined sharply due to a shortage of material, as heavy monsoon rains disrupted production and dispatches. Exports were also low because of weak global prices.
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