Global iron ore exports rebound 8% w-o-w on strong Brazil flows; freight trends remain mixed

• Brazil rebound offsets weaker South African shipments
• Capesize freight sentiment stays firm on active Pacific enquiry

Global iron ore export shipments rose 7.7% w-o-w to 26.7 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 15 May, against 24.7 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data. Stronger Vale loadings and improved terminal flows boosted Brazilian exports, while firmer rail movements supported Canadian shipments.

Australian exports remained steady despite maintenance activity and Dampier power disruptions, while South African and Chilean flows weakened amid logistics constraints and softer cargo availability.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

• Australia: Port Hedland handled 11.3 mnt, Walcott 3.8 mnt, and Dampier 1.7 mnt. BHP exported 5.7 mnt, Rio Tinto 5.5 mnt, and FMG 4.8 mnt, with China importing 14.0 mnt, followed by Japan (1.5 mnt) and South Korea (1.1 mnt).
• Brazil: Ponta da Madeira shipped 2.4 mnt and Tubarao 1.7 mnt. CSN exported 3.3 mnt, while Vale shipped 2.2 mnt, with China importing 2.9 mnt.
• Canada: Sept-Iles handled 0.8 mnt and Port Cartier 0.6 mnt. IOC exported 0.8 mnt, while AMNS shipped 0.6 mnt, with the Netherlands importing 0.4 mnt, followed by China and Germany at 0.2 mnt each.
• South Africa: Saldanha handled 0.4 mnt, with China importing 0.3 mnt.
• India: Paradip handled 0.5 mnt and Dhamra 0.2 mnt. Rungta Sons exported 0.4 mnt, while China imported 0.4 mnt.
• Chile: Totoralillo shipped 0.2 mnt, with China importing 0.2 mnt.
• Peru: San Nicolas shipped 0.4 mnt and Matarani 0.1 mnt. Shougang Hierro exported 0.4 mnt, while China imported 0.2 mnt.

Bulk iron ore freights mixed 

Dry bulk iron ore freights exhibited mixed trends w-o-w as stronger Capesize activity and elevated bunker prices supported larger vessel segments, while Supramax sentiment remained subdued amid limited fixtures and weaker South Africa-China demand. The Pacific market stayed relatively firm on healthy Australian cargo flows and active enquiries, though chartering activity remained measured.

Outlook

Global iron ore shipments are expected to remain mixed amid maintenance activity, rail bottlenecks, and uneven cargo availability across key origins. Freight sentiment may stay cautiously firm on active Capesize enquiries, balanced vessel supply, and elevated bunker prices, while Chinese steel demand remains a key watchpoint.