Taiwan Iron Ore Imports Decline 14% Y-o-Y in Sep’18

Taiwan  iron ore imports for the month of Sept’18 recorded at 1.98 MnT. On yearly premises, the imports in Sep’18 recorded fall of 14% as against imports in Sep’17 at 2.3 MnT.

The country has depicted rise of 5% in Sep’18 imports, as against Aug’18 imports at 1.89 MnT. During Jan- Sep’18, imports witnessed at 17.49 MnT, decline of 10% as against 19.43 MnT for same duration last year (Jan-Sep’17).

On quarterly basis, Taiwan iron ore imports for the third quarter of CY18 witnessed at 5.68 MnT, down 6% as against 6.04 MnT in quarter ending June’18.

Trade protectionist measures results lower volumes from Taiwan

In Taiwan local steelmakers are facing 25% punitive tariffs in the EU after provisional safeguard measures took effect. Exports of about 23 steel product categories from Taiwan are subject to the sanctions. Along with this, USA trade tariffs of 25% are also imposed on Taiwan steel products with the effect from 1st Jun’18.

The Non-agglomerated ore (Lump and Fines) imports witnessed marginal rise in Sep’18 to 1.79 MnT as against 1.74 MnT in last month. However, Y-o-Y imports in Sep’18 recorded fall of 7% compared to 1.92 MnT in Sep’17.

Agglomerated ore (pellets and concentrates) imports in Sep’18 recorded rise of 29% on monthly basis to 0.18 MnT as against 0.14 MnT in Aug’18. However, the Y-o-Y change depicted 51% decline as against 0.37 MnT in Sep’17.

Australian iron ore exports to Taiwan down 11% M-o-M

Australia continues to be the largest exporter of iron ore to Taiwan in Sep’18 at 1.31 MnT (down 11% M-o-M) accounting for 66% of total Taiwan’s imports share for the month. Brazil stood second largest exporter at 0.37 MnT (down 12% M-o-M) followed by Canada 0.3 MnT.

Taiwan’s Country wise import: Sep’18 v/s Aug’18

Quantity in MnT
Source: Taiwan Customs
Provisional Data