Bahrain: Pellet Exports Up 18%, Iron Ore Imports Down 19% in Aug'19

Bahrain iron ore and pellet exports in Aug'19 recorded at 0.64 MnT, up 18% as against 0.54 MnT in July'19. On yearly basis, exports witnessed significant increase by 2% as compared to 0.63 MnT in Aug'18.
For CY19 (Jan-Aug'19) exports increased by 47% to 6.37 MnT as against 4.34 MnT in Jan-Aug'18.

o China stood largest importer from Bahrain for the month at 0.36 MnT, up four folds against 0.09 MnT in July'19. Chinese mills imports from Bahrain picked up for the month amid global material supply crisis.
o Saudi Arabia stood second largest importer at 0.14 MnT followed by Oman and UAE at 0.07 MnT each.
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 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.

Bahrain iron ore imports down 19% in Aug'19

Bahrain imports of iron ore witnessed at 0.80 MnT in Aug'19, down 19% as compared to 0.99 MnT in July'19. On yearly basis, the imports fell 11% as against 0.90 MnT in Aug'18.
For CY19 (Jan-Aug'19) imports witnessed at 8.29 MnT, up sharply 69% against 4.9 MnT in CY18 (Jan-Aug'18).

Sweden stood the largest exporter of iron ore to Bahrain at 0.49 MnT up 48% M-o-M followed by Brazil at 0.31 MnT (down 37%).

Bahrain Iron Ore Import and Exports Aug'19 v/s July'19

Qty in MT
Source: Customs