Taiwan Steel Import Statistics – May 2019

According to the recent data released by World Steel Association (WSA), Taiwan’s crude steel output in May’19 witnessed at 2.04 MnT, rise 6% as against 1.93 MnT in Apr’19. While on yearly basis in May’19 Taiwan’s output recorded 18.6% gain as against May’18 at 1.72 MnT.

Taiwan iron ore imports for May’19 recorded at 1.83 MnT, down 13% as compared to 2.09 MnT in Apr’19. On yearly premises, imports stood up 10% as against 1.67 MnT in May’18.

Taiwan recorded largest imports from Australia for the month of May’19 at 1.31 MnT, down compared to 1.41 MnT in Apr’19.

Imports from Brazil too, dropped for the month to 0.19 MnT against 0.37 MnT a month ago. Imports fell from the largest suppliers amid availability crises from Vale and Rio Tinto. Also, Rio Tinto’s in June’19 announced drop in iron ore Pilbara shipments guidance due to mine operational challenges at the company’s Greater Brockman hub. Rio Tinto 2019 Pilbara iron ore shipment guidance is reduced to 320-330 MnT as against 333-343 MnT previously.

Taiwan coal imports have increased 20% m-o-m to 6.38 MnT in May’19, as the country stepped-up its coal sourcing to meet the summer power demand. Import volumes were however marked slightly lower on the year from 6.58 MnT in May’18.

Amid a slowdown in global coal pricing, Taiwan has significantly improved its coal intake from Australia, taking shipments in excess of 3 MnT in three of the first five months of CY19. Australian coal export to Taiwan was marked 20% higher on the month at 3.24 MnT in Jun’19, also rising 13% Y-o-Y from 2.86 MnT in Jun’18.

During the first 5 months of CY19 (Jan’19-May’19), coal imports by Taiwan has reached 27.56 MnT, up 2% Y-o-Y from 27.12 MnT in the corresponding period of CY18.

Taiwan ferrous scrap imports witnessed considerable fall in May’19. The country imported 0.20 MnT ferrous scrap, down 28% m-o-m as against 0.28 MnT imports recorded in Apr’19. On the other hand, scrap imports registered a fall of 39% Y-o-Y as against 0.33 MnT in May’18. Increased global prices in April could have discouraged buyers from importing in larger quantities for May’19 deliveries.

Country-wise – USA remained the largest scrap supplier to Taiwan in May’19 as it exported 0.11 MnT in the month with a share of 55% in total imports, dropping 15% m-o-m from 0.13 MnT in April. Another top supplier Japan, witnessed a significant drop of 83% m-o-m, supplying just 0.01 MnT in May against 0.06 MnT in April. Other top suppliers of scrap to Taiwan were Dominican Republic (0.01 MnT, down 50% m-o-m), Hong Kong (0.01 MnT, Unchanged m-o-m), Costa Rica (0.01 MnT, Unchanged m-o-m) and Australia (0.01 MnT, Unchanged m-o-), with a share of 5% each respectively

Billet imports plunged by 11.2% m-o-m & recorded two month low. The nation has imported about 0.31 MnT Billet in May’19 against 0.35 MnT in Apr’19. On yearly basis, imports decline by 6% against 0.33 MnT in May’18.

The major import was reported from Japan & approximately 48.38% (0.15 MnT) and rest quantities being imported from Russia, Malaysia & Australia. Russia remains the largest exporter, however in May’19 the billet imports from the nation fall by around 27%, and no major billet imports from India, Turkey, Oman, Vietnam & Thailand to Taiwan has recorded in the month.

Taiwan has imported about 1.40 MnT billet in CY19 (Jan-May) & Russia was the major billet exporter, which exported about 0.72 MT (51.26%). Inline Japan exported around 0.45 MnT (32.06%).

Taiwanese Ferro alloys imports increased by 51% in May’19 m-o-m. Ferro chrome imports from Taiwan were significantly high in the month of May’19 despite sluggish Stainless Steel Market conditions, such higher levels of imports can be attributed to the reduced prices. Ferro Silicon and Silico Manganese Imports were also higher in May’19 as compared to previous month. Meanwhile, Ferro Manganese Imports remained stable in May’19. Malaysia, India and South Africa remained the top three exporters for Taiwan.

Source: SteelMint Stats.
Quantity in MT