Iron ore exports in August from India, the world's third
biggest exporter fell by 43.4% on year to reach 2.65 million tonnes, data from
a trade body showed, as monsoon dented shipments and there were no exports from
a key state even after lifting of a ban.
Exports in the first five months of the fiscal year to August fell by 24.38 per
cent to 28.02 million tonnes, the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI)
said in a statement.
The southern state of Karnataka, which accounted for a quarter of shipments
before a ban was imposed, registered zero exports on delayed efforts by the
government to re-start shipments despite a Supreme Court order in
April.
Exports from Vishakapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh state rose by 9,34,000 tonnes
in August from 8,55,000 tonnes a year ago, while those from West Bengal's
Haldia rose to 422,000 tonnes from 404,000 tonnes. Other ports witnessed a
fall.
Exports from Orissa's Paradip port fell by 0.54 million tonnes from 1.268
million tonnes, while those from Goa fell 389,000 tonnes from 681,000 tonnes.
High export tax and rising freight rates also weighed on shipments.
India, in February, had raised the export tax on iron ore
fines to 20 per cent from 5 per cent to conserve the natural resource for local
consumption.
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