India: JSW Steel Imports Australian Lump in May’18

According to the market sources report to the SteelMint, JSW imported vessels of lump from Australia in May’18 for its Vijayanagar plant.

As per the customs data maintained with SteelMint, JSW Steel has imported 1.35 MnT iron ore in May’18 and turned out to be the largest importer, contributing 85% of total import share for the month. The imports witnessed significant increase to twice on monthly basis against 0.67 MnT in Apr’18.

Out of the total imported quantity in May’18, JSW Steel imported 1.11 MnT from Australia, 0.17 MnT from Brazil and 0.07 MnT from South Africa.

The company imported 0.80 MnT ion ore at Krishnapatnam port while Jaigarh port contributed the remaining 41% of imports of 0.55 MnT. The steel maker has lessened iron ore sourcing from Karnataka e-auctions and has strengthened its imports in last couple of months.

Other iron ore importers in the month of May were – SAL Steel which stood second largest importer at 0.15 MnT followed by Welspun Steel at 0.08 MnT.

Indian iron ore imports in May up 64% M-o-M

Indian iron ore imports in May’18 increased significantly by 64% to 1.59 MnT, as against 0.97 MnT in Apr’18, according to the customs data maintained by SteelMint. However, on yearly basis iron ore imports increased to around four-fold against 0.39 MnT in May’17.
Average global iron ore fines (Fe 62%) prices remained stable on monthly basis in May’18 at USD 66/MT, CFR China.

For the duration Jan-May’18, the total imports witnessed at 7.05 MnT, up by more than thrice the imports for same duration previous year (Jan-May’17) at 2.06 MnT.

Indian iron ore imports from Australia up 67% in May’18 –

Australia registered 70% share of Indian’s iron ore import in May’18 with import volume at 1.11 MnT, up 67% against Apr’18 imports at 0.67 MnT. Brazil stood second largest exporter at 0.17 MnT followed by South Africa at 0.31 MnT.

Krishnapatnam Port accounted for 51% iron ore imports in May’18 –

Krishnapatnam port accounted for 51% share in iron ore imports in May’18 (up 24% M-o-M), turned out to be the highest importing port with 0.80 MnT iron ore, followed by Jaigarh at 0.55 MnT (up more than thrice M-o-M), and Kandla at 0.24 MnT .