Australia Iron Ore Export Shipments Down Marginally in Apr’20

Australia – world’s largest iron ore exporter has recorded 4% drop in iron ore shipment for Apr’20, according to the vessel line up data maintained with SteelMint. Australia’s iron ore export shipments recorded 74.61 MnT in Apr’20, as compared to 77.32 MnT in Mar’20.

The Chinese mills resumed production post lockdown and witnessed recovery in construction activities. However, amid lower steel margins Chinese mills preference for lower grade ore stood on the higher side while imports of Australian higher grade ore remained on lower side.

On a yearly basis, exports in Apr’20 picked up 8% against 69.22 MnT in Apr’19. This is due to the effect of cyclone in Australia towards Mar’19 which lowered exports from the country.

Monthly average iron ore prices fell in Apr’20

The monthly average spot iron ore fines (Fe 62%) price decreased by 5% to USD 83.95/MT, CFR China in Apr’20 against last month at USD 88.1/MT, CFR China due to shifted demand from medium and high-grade ore to low-grade iron ore for cost effectiveness.

Australian exports to China down marginally in Apr’20

China marked the largest importer of Australian iron ore for the month at 62.38 MnT, down slightly against 62.86 MnT in Mar’20. Korea stood as the second-largest importer for the month at 5.19 MnT (up 44% M-o-M) followed by Japan at 4.44 MnT.

Australian exports to India continue to record nil for the month of Apr’20. The export to India was last witnessed on Mar’19 at 185,000 MT.

Qty in MnT
Source: SteelMint Stats and GAC Shipping,
Provisional Data

Port Hedland accounted for 59% of exports in Apr’20

In Apr’20, Port Hedland exported 44.35 MnT of iron ore, down 7% against 47.91 MnT in Mar’20. Walcott stood second-largest exporter at 16.9 MnT, followed by Dampier at 11.88 MnT and Geraldton at 0.78 MnT.