Australia’s iron ore export shipment was recorded at 67.76 mn t for Jan’21. Shipments decreased by 13% against 78.24 mn t in Dec’20, according to the vessel Lineup data maintained with SteelMint. On yearly basis, exports were up marginally compared to 66.75 mn t in Jan’20.
Australian iron ore exports dropped for the month amid falling Chinese demand due to Lunar New Year holidays and rising global iron ore prices. Also, heavy rainfall and cyclone threats had a negative impact on Australian exports, forcing key exporting ports to clear ships from their harbours. As per sources report to SteelMint, poor weather at Pilbara during 2nd and 3rd week of Jan’21 also affected exports.The average iron ore (Fe 62%) fines price increased to $168/t, CNF China in Jan’21 against $155/t, CNF China in Dec’20.
Australia’s iron ore export shipments to China dropped 13% in Jan’21Australia’s iron ore export shipments to China stood at 55.03 mnt in Jan’21, down 13% against 63.56 mnt in Dec’20. South Korea stood as the second-largest importer for the month at 5.14 mnt (up 11% m-o-m) followed by Japan at 4.39 mnt.
Shipments to India recorded nil in Jan ’21 Australian iron ore shipments to India continued to remain nil for the second consecutive month in Jan’21. Shipments to India had resumed after a gap of about one and a half years in Nov’20 at 65,000 t.
Australia iron ore exports: Jan’21 v/s Dec’20
Qty in mn t
Source: SteelMint Stats
Provisional Data
Exports from Port Hedland fell 9% in Jan’21 In Jan’21, Port Hedland exported 41.65 mn t of iron ore against 46 mn t in Dec’20, registering a 9% drop on a monthly basis. Walcott stood second-largest exporter at 14.16 mn t, followed by Dampier at 10.62 mn t, Esperance at 0.94 mn t and Geraldton at 0.39 mn t.
Outlook –Australian iron ore exports in upcoming months is expected to pick up post the Lunar New Year holidays when Chinese mills will resume their operations at normal levels.
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