Bahrain: Iron Ore & Pellet Exports Down 34%; Imports Up Marginally in Apr'19
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Bahrain iron ore and pellet exports in Apr'19 recorded at 0.9 MnT, down 34% as against 1.36 MnT in Mar'19. On yearly basis, exports witnessed significant increase by 73% as compared to 0.52 MnT in Apr'17.
o Saudi Arabia stood largest importer from Bahrain for the month at 0.36 MnT, down 25% against 0.48 MnT in Mar'19, followed by Oman at 0.27 MnT (up almost two-times M-o-M).
o DR grade pellets supply is a matter of concern especially for DRI producers in the Middle East and North Africa region such as Saudi Arabian steel major Emirates Steel and Ezz Steel and Beeshay Steel in Egypt who are mostly reliant on Vale shipments.
o Bahrain Steel - wholly owned company of Foulath Holding, has recently signed a 20 year agreement with Anglo American Marketing Limited for pellet supply for its plant in Hidd region. As per reports, demand for iron ore pellet is increasing majorly in Mena region with expected demand to reach 46 MnT by 2027. The contract will be a step ahead for the company to deliver quality product customers in the Mena region and beyond, relying on Bahrain Steel for their supply of DR pellets.
o Towards early Apr19, Bahrain Steel unveiled its plans to double its pellet production over the next 10 years. Last year in 2018, the company has achieved the landmark production and passed the milestone of having produced 100 MnT of pellets since its inception.
o State-owned pellet maker - Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd (KIOCL)had signed a tripartite MoU towards the end of April'19 with Emirates Steel, Abu Dhabi, and Star Global, Dubai for sale of high-grade pellets to Emirates Steel.
Bahrain iron ore imports up marginally in Apr'19
Bahrain imports of iron ore witnessed at 1.4 MnT in Apr'19, as compared to 1.36 MnT in Mar'19. On yearly basis, the imports increased 25% as against 1.12 MnT in Apr'18. Brazil stood the largest exporter of iron ore to Bahrain at 1.13 MnT, followed by Canada at 0.17 MnT and Oman at 0.1 MnT.
Bahrain Iron Ore Import and Exports Apr'19 v/s Mar'19
| Bahrain Imports | ||||||
| Commodity | Sub Commodity | Apr'19 | Mar'19 | M-o-M (%) | Apr'18 | Y-o-Y (%) |
| Iron Ore | Fines/Lumps | 1,400,138 | 1,355,216 | 3.3 | 1,122,166 | 24.8 |
| Bahrain Exports | ||||||
| Commodity | Sub Commodity | Apr'19 | Mar'19 | M-o-M (%) | Apr'18 | Y-o-Y (%) |
| Iron Ore | Pellet/Concentrate | 892,897 | 1,302,067 | -31.4 | 519,026 | 72 |
| Fines/Lumps | 2,496 | 54,795 | -95.4 | - | 100 | |
| Total | 895,393 | 1,356,862 | -34 | 519,026 | 72.5 | |
Qty in MT
Source: Customs
