South African iron ore exports decreased 9% in May’19 to 5.54 MnT, as against 6.09 MnT in Apr’19. On yearly basis, exports fell 10% as against 6.16 MnT in May’18.
China continued to be the largest importer of South African iron ore at 3.11 MnT in May’19, down marginally against 3.24 MnT in Apr’19. South Korea stood second largest importer at 0.67 MnT (up more than three folds M-o-M), followed by Japan at 0.39 MnT and Netherland at 0.36 MnT. Indian imports from South Africa dropped to nil as against 0.16 MnT a month ago.
South Africa’s Transnet (Transport Company) is installing iron ore tippler at Saldanha port terminal to sustain current output of 60 MnT p.a. The purpose of installation is to replace the older two tipplers. The operation is expected to start by July’20.
South African coal exports up in May’19
Coal exports have rebounded after falling in Apr’19 to record 5% growth during May’19. As per the data provided by customs, exports in May’19 were marked at 6.92 MnT as against 6.61 MnT in Apr’19, which was also 11% higher on the year from 6.23 MnT in May’18.
During the beginning of CY19, South African coal exporters had directed more coal supplies towards the domestic market, amid weaker demand from India, and higher price realization in domestic market compared to exports. However, a subsequent uptick in coal buying from India, have brought export volumes partially in line with the year-ago period. Apparently, Indian coal imports from South Africa have been in excess of 4 MnT in each of the past three months to May’19.
During the first 5 months of CY19, South African coal exports have totaled 33.03 MnT, posting slight fall of 2% from the corresponding period’s total of 33.54 MnT attained in CY18.
Ferro Alloys exports remained stable in May’19
Manganese Ore exports increased by 0.2 MnT, which accounted for 12% increase in May’19. Chrome Ore exports were, however, down as compared to the previous month by 8%.
Manganese Alloys exports remained constant, and Ferro Chrome exports were also same as compared to the previous month. Manganese Ore and Chrome ore exports were higher in May’19 by 20% as compared to may’18. China, Mozambique and India remained the top three importers for South African Ferro Alloys and Ores.
South Africa ferrous scrap exports stable M-o-M
South Africa ferrous scrap exports were more or less stable in May’19 as the country exported 27,575 MT of scrap, dropping marginally by 1% M-o-M against 27,798 MT in April’19. On yearly premises imports dropped 45% Y-o-Y as against 50,469 MT in May’18. Pakistan based scrap buyers increased their bookings for May deliveries in order to maintain stock ahead limited supply from the Middle East in Ramadan season.
India remained the largest importer occupying a share of 70% in total scrap exports from South Africa in May’19. It imported 19,174 MT in May’19, up marginally by 4% M-o-M against 18,392 MT in Apr’19. Another top importer Bangladesh witnessed a drop of 14% M-o-M and imported just 3,022 MT in May‘19, with 11% share. Followed by other prominent importers, Pakistan (2,905 MT, up 32%) and Indonesia (1052 MT, up 140%) occupying 10% and 4% share.
South African pig iron exports up more than two folds in May’19
South African pig iron exports witnessed at 65,536 MT as against 26,516 MT a month ago. On yearly basis, exports picked up 75% as compared to 37,437 MT in June’18. United States stood the largest importer at 19,900 MT, followed by Japan and Italy at 8000 MT each.
Leave a Reply