Taiwan Steel Import Statistics – Apr’19

According to the recent data released by World Steel Association (WSA), Taiwan’s crude steel output in Apr’19 witnessed at 1.93 MnT, down 5% as against 2.03 MnT in Mar’19. While on yearly basis in Apr’19 Taiwan’s output recorded 16% gain as against Apr’18 at 1.66 MnT.

Iron ore imports up 15% in Apr’19: Taiwan iron ore imports for Apr’19 recorded at 2.09 MnT, up 15% as compared to 1.81 MnT in Mar’19. On yearly premises, imports stood up slightly as against 2.04 MnT in Apr’18.

Taiwan recorded largest share of imports from Australia at 1.43 MnT, up 10% on monthly basis against 1.3 MnT a month ago. Imports from Brazil fell by 14% to 0.37 MnT amid rising concerns at Vale. However, the miner on Wednesday (21st June) has announced early resumption at its Brucutu mines which may ease Taiwan’s imports from Brazil.

Coal imports down 11% M-o-M in Apr’19: Coal imports by Taiwan have come down in Apr’19, following a subdued intake from its largest supplier-Australia.

Data provided by customs indicate that the country had imported 5.33 MnT coal in Apr’19 against 5.98 MnT in Mar’19. Apparently, Apr’19 coal imports dropped slightly after a significant rise in Mar’19. Import volumes were also 4% lower on the year from 5.58 MnT in Apr’18.

During the first 4 months of CY19 (Jan’19-Apr’19), Taiwan’s coal imports totalled 21.2 MnT, up 3% Y-o-Y from 20.56 MnT recorded in the same period of CY18.

Taiwan imported 279,485 MT ferrous scrap in April, marginally down 1% M-o-M as against 281,782 MT ferrous scrap in Mar’19, the recent customs data showed. The largest supplier, USA witnessed a drop of 8% M-o-M in scrap exports in Apr’19.

On yearly premises, the country witnessed a rise of 4% Y-o-Y in scrap imports as against 279,299 MT ferrous scrap in Apr’18. USA origin HMS (80:20) offers stood at an average of USD 305-307/MT, CFR Taiwan, however global downtrend in April brought down the prices by USD 20-25/MT closing the month to USD 283-285/MT, CFR levels.

Country-wise – United States ferrous scrap exports to Taiwan observed a drop of 8% M-o-M to 134,985 MT scrap, as against 147,203 MT occupying highest 48% share in total scrap imports in Apr’19. Japan remained at 2nd position supplying 57,222 MT in Apr’19, up 7% M-o-M as against 53,510 MT in Mar’19.

Followed by other prominent exporters to Taiwan were Dominican Republic (15,389 MT, up 17% M-o-M) and Australia (14,820 MT, up 143% M-o-M) occupying 6% and 5% share in Apr’19.

Billet imports plunged by 17% M-o-M:-The nation has imported about 3,51,577 MT Billet in Apr’19 against 4,23,332 MT in Mar’19. On yearly basis imports rise by 24.6% against 2,82,125 MT in Apr’18.

The major import was reported from Russia & approximately 42% (147,113 MT) and rest quantities being imported from Japan, Turkey, Malaysia & Thailand. However imports from Russia fall around 44%, and no major billet imports from India, Oman, Vietnam & South Korea to Taiwan has recorded in the month.

In CY19 (Jan-Apr), the nation has imported about 1,086,636 MT Billet. Russia was the major billet exporter to Taiwan which exported about 602,986 MT (55.49%) in the first 4-month of CY19. Inline Japan exported around 302,836 MT (27.87%).

Taiwan Ferro Chrome imports are down by 50% from 0.02 MnT from Mar’19 to 0.01 MnT in Apr’19. Ferro Chrome imports suffered due to lacklustre stainless steel global market. Ferro Chrome imports in Apr’19 were almost half as compared to the previous year, Apr’18. Ferro Manganese, Silico Manganese, and Ferro Silicon imports remained stable in Apr’19. Ferro Manganese Imports increased to 0.01 MnT in Apr’19 from the previous year.

Source: SteelMint Stats.
Quantity in MT