Australia – world’s largest iron ore exporter has recorded increase in export shipments in CY18,according to the vessel line up data maintained with SteelMint, Australia’s iron ore export shipments recorded at 852.84 MnT in CY’18, as compared to 841.10 MnT in CY17.
Australian iron ore exports up 15% in Dec’18
In Dec’18 Australia’s iron ore export shipments witnessed an increased by 15% to 77.37 MnT in Dec’18 compared to 67.30 MnT in Nov’18. On yearly basis, exports dropped by 2% compared to 79.31 MnT in Dec’17.
Average global iron ore fines prices mostly stable in CY18
Yearly average global iron ore fines (Fe 62%) prices dropped slightly to USD 70/MT, CFR China in CY18 compared to USD 71/MT, CFR China in CY17. On monthly basis, the average price dropped to USD 69/MT in Dec’18, CFR China as against being USD 73/MT, CFR China a month ago.
Australian exports to India Up significantly in CY’18
China marked the largest importer of Australian iron ore at 693.44 MnT, contributing 81% of total Australian exports for the year, down slightly against 695.91 MnT in CY17. China is largest destination (contributing 80- 85%) of Australian iron ore exports, hence, a change in Chinese market affects Australian exports. Amidst liberal winter production cuts in China in CY18 compared to CY17 led to decline in high grade ore (from Australia) demand by Chinese mills.
Japan stood the second largest importer at 72.39 MnT (down 2% Y-o-Y), followed by Korea at 51.81 MnT.
India witnessed significant rise in imports to 6.85 MnT in CY18 as against 0.60 MnT in CY17. Amid high discounts offered on low grade iron ore, Indian steel makers actively booked vessels from Australia
In Dec’18, Chinese imports of Australian iron ore witnessed at 61.77 MnT (up 14% M-o-M) followed by Japan at 7.68 MnT (up 59% on monthly basis).
Country-wise Iron Ore Exports
| Country | CY18 | CY17 | Y-o-Y (%) | Dec’18 | Nov’18 | M-o-M (%) |
| China | 693.44 | 695.91 | -0.4% | 61.77 | 54.39 | 14% |
| Japan | 72.39 | 73.91 | -2% | 7.68 | 4.82 | 59% |
| Korea | 51.81 | 46.48 | 11% | 4.36 | 4.77 | -9% |
| Taiwan | 17.54 | 17.31 | 1% | 1.77 | 1.66 | 6% |
| India | 6.85 | 0.60 | 1034% | 0.77 | 0.77 | 1% |
| Vietnam | 3.98 | 0.90 | 343% | 0.33 | 0.34 | -2% |
| Indonesia | 2.44 | 3.26 | -25% | 0.20 | 0.18 | 11% |
| Malaysia | 1.75 | 0.04 | 4906% | 0.32 | 0.19 | 69% |
| Others | 2.63 | 2.68 | -2% | 0.18 | 0.18 | 0% |
| Total | 852.84 | 841.10 | 1% | 77.37 | 67.30 | 15% |
Qty in MnT
Source: SteelMint Stats and GAC Shipping,
Provisional Data
Port Headland iron ore export up 3% in CY18
In CY’18, port Headland marked largest exporter at 508.10 MnT, up 3% against 492.35 MnT in CY’17, followed by Walcott at 188.87 MnT and Dampier at 139.33 MnT (up 3% on yearly basis).
In Dec’18, Port hedland stood largest exporter at 45.52 MnT, up sharply against 40.27 MnT a month ago. Towards, the beginning of Nov’18 BHP iron ore train pulling 268 wagons, travelling from Newman to port Hedland suffered derailment The incident led to temporary suspension of rail service at Port Hedland by the miner, resulting in berthing delay. However, the exports picked up post operation resumption and recorded increase in exports in Dec’18. Walcott supplied iron ore at 18.16 MnT (up 21% M-o-M).
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