South African Iron Ore Exports Hit 9 Month High in May’18

Indian imports recorded at 0.54 MnT, rise of 80% M-o-M

South Africa – world’s 3rd largest iron ore exporter after Australia and Brazil, has exported 6.16 MnT in May’18, according to the trade data released by South African Customs. South Africa Iron ore exports witnessed 7% increase in May’18 as against 5.75 MnT in Apr’18. The Y-o-Y exports witnessed increase of 4% in May’18 as against 5.95 MnT in May’17. The exports recorded highest in nine months since Aug’17 exports which was at 6.69 MnT.

For the duration Jan-May’18, South African exports recorded at 27.47 MnT, up marginally against 26.9 MnT same period last year (Jan-May’17).

In May’18, an agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) iron ore exports recorded a decrease of 5% M-o-M to 3.93 MnT, as against 4.14 MnT in Apr’18. The Y-o-Y iron ore exports were up 6% in May’18 as against May’17, recorded at 3.71 MnT

The non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore exports were up 39% M-o-M to 2.23 MnT in May’18 against 1.61 MnT in Apr’18. However, the Y-o-Y exports witnessed stability as against May’17 at 2.24 MnT.

South African Iron Ore Exports to India increased Sharply M-o-M

China continues to remain the largest iron ore importer from South Africa for the month of May’18, imported 3.71 MnT, and contributing 60% share of total South African iron ore export in May’18 (down marginally M-o-M), followed by South Korea at 0.69 MnT.
Indian iron ore imports from South Africa up 80% M-o-M to 0.54 MnT in May’18, as against 0.3 MnT in Apr’18.

Japan, Germany, and United Kingdom depicted sharp rise in monthly imports at 0.45 MnT (up by two folds M-o-M), 0.27 MnT (up 80% M-o-M) and 0.16 MnT (up 78% on monthly basis) respectively.

Country wise South African Iron Ore Exports May’18 v/s Apr’18

Quantity in MnT
Source: South Africa Customs
Provisional Data