Global iron ore export shipments rise 16% w-o-w on surge in Australian, Brazilian cargo movement

• Canadian, Indian shipments fall amid muted Chinese enquiries
• Pacific cargo momentum keeps Capesize sentiment supported

Global iron ore export shipments increased 15.9% w-o-w to 30.9 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 22 May, against 26.7 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data. Stronger cargo movement from Australia and Brazil supported the w-o-w rise, aided by improved Dampier loadings, firmer Vale exports, and smoother terminal throughput.

South African and Peruvian exports also improved on better logistics and terminal operations, while Canadian and Indian shipments weakened amid slower rail movement and muted Chinese enquiries.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

• Australia: Port Hedland handled 11.9 mnt, Walcott 4.5 mnt, and Dampier 3.3 mnt. Rio Tinto exported 7.8 mnt, BHP shipped 5.6 mnt, and FMG exported 4.9 mnt, with China importing 16.1 mnt, followed by Japan (1.6 mnt) and South Korea (0.9 mnt).
• Brazil: Ponta da Madeira shipped 3.4 mnt, Itaguai 1.4 mnt, and Tubarao 1.2 mnt. CSN and Vale exported 6.8 mnt, while Anglo American shipped 0.5 mnt, with China importing 2.9 mnt.
• Canada: Sept-Iles handled 0.5 mnt and Port Cartier 0.3 mnt. Iron Ore Company of Canada exported 0.5 mnt, while AMNS shipped 0.3 mnt, with the Netherlands importing 0.2 mnt.
• South Africa: Saldanha handled 0.6 mnt, with the Netherlands importing 0.2 mnt.
• India: Paradip handled 0.4 mnt, Dhamra 0.2 mnt, and Mormugao 0.2 mnt. Rungta Sons exported 0.3 mnt, with China importing 0.4 mnt.
• Chile: Huasco shipped 0.2 mnt, with China importing 0.2 mnt.
• Peru: San Nicolas shipped 0.7 mnt. Shougang Hierro exported 0.7 mnt, with China importing 0.4 mnt, followed by Japan (0.2 mnt).

Capesize strength offsets steady Supramax trends

Dry bulk iron ore freights remained mixed w-o-w as firm Capesize activity and healthy Pacific enquiries supported larger vessel segments, while Supramax sentiment stayed relatively balanced amid cautious chartering activity.

Outlook

Global iron ore shipments are expected to remain firm amid healthy Australian and Brazilian cargo programmes, though weather disruptions, maintenance activity, and rail constraints may continue to impact flows. Freight sentiment may stay cautiously positive on active Capesize enquiries and stable Pacific demand.