Australia – world’s largest iron ore exporter has recorded 16% drop in iron ore shipment for Jan’20, according to the vessel line up data maintained with SteelMint. Australia’s iron ore export shipments recorded at 66.75 MnT in Jan’20, as compared to 79.73 MnT in Dec’19.
On yearly basis, exports have picked up marginally against 65.54 MnT in Jan’19.
Australian iron ore exports dropped due to weak Chinese demand amid Lunar New Year holidays in Jan’20 followed by outbreak of coronavirus and rising iron ore inventory. As per data compiled by SteelHome consultancy, Iron ore inventory at major Chinese ports recorded at 131.1 MnT as of 6th Feb’20 as against 127.05 MnT assessed towards end of Jan.
Australian exports to China dropped 17% in Jan’20
China marked the largest importer of Australian iron ore in Jan’20 at 54.51 MnT, down 17% M-o-M against 65.84 MnT in Dec’19. Korea stood second-largest importer for the month at 5.04 MnT (down 5% M-o-M) followed by Japan at 4.59 MnT.
Australian exports to India recorded nil for the tenth consecutive month in Jan’20.
| Country | Jan’20 | Dec’19 |
| China | 54.51 | 65.84 |
| Korea | 5.04 | 5.3 |
| Japan | 4.59 | 6.68 |
| Taiwan | 1.48 | 1.42 |
| Indonesia | 0.51 | 0.19 |
| Vietnam | 0.35 | 0.17 |
| Malaysia | 0.28 | 0.14 |
| Grand Total | 66.75 | 79.73 |
Qty in MnT
Source: SteelMint Stats and GAC Shipping,
Provisional Data
Port Hedland accounted for 61% of exports in Jan’20
In Jan’20, Port Hedland exported 40.70 MnT iron ore, down 13% against 46.83 MnT in Dec’19. Walcott stood second-largest exporter at 14.37 MnT, followed by Dampier at 10.30 MnT.
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