- Weak demand from China caps India, Brazil’s exports
- Australia’s shipments plunge on Cyclone Sean’s impact
Iron ore exports of the top-producing regions (Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and India) globally recorded a decline m-o-m in January 2025.
Australia sees 18% decrease m-o-m
- Australian iron ore and pellet export shipments fell by 18% to 63.9 mnt in January as compared to 77.9 mnt in December, as per vessel line-up data maintained with BigMint.
- China was the major importer with 53.2 mnt, followed by South Korea at 3.7 mnt and Japan at 3.6 mnt.
- The key factor behind the export decline was Cyclone Sean, which severely disrupted loading operations at Western Australian ports.
Brazil’s shipments fall 19% m-o-m
- Brazil’s iron ore export shipments decreased by 19% m-o-m to 27.26 mnt in January 2025 as against 33.57 mnt in December 2024.
- China emerged as the largest importer with 17.30 mnt, followed by Oman with 1.70 mnt and the US with 0.87 mnt.
- The decline in exports was primarily driven by weak demand from China, which exerted pressure on Brazil’s iron ore trade.
South Africa’s exports drop 11% m-o-m
- South Africa’s iron ore exports dipped by 11% m-o-m to 4.85 mnt in January 2025 compared to 5.42 mnt in December 2024, as per vessel line-up data maintained by BigMint.
- China was the largest importer (2.40 mnt), followed by South Korea (0.61 mnt).
- Kumba mines was the leading exporter at 2.23 mnt, with volumes falling by 31% m-o-m. It was followed by Assmang at 1.86 mnt, up by 14% m-o-m, and Sedibeng with 189,000 t, rising by 18% m-o-m.
India records drop of 5% m-o-m
- India’s iron ore and pellet exports fell by 5% m-o-m to 2.04 mnt in January 2025 as against 2.14 mnt in December 2024.
- China emerged as the largest importer with 1.33 mnt, followed by Malaysia with 0.41 mnt.
- The decline in shipments was attributed to weak market fundamentals in China and higher portside inventories there, which dampened demand.
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