How Seaborne Iron Ore was Moved in First 9 Months of 2019?

--World's largest iron ore exporter - Australia observed a fall 1% Y-o-Y from 631 MnT in 9M CY'18 to 623 MnTin 9M CY'19 (figures are rounded off). In Mar'19, Australian Pilbara region was hit by cyclone resulting in suspension of Port Hedland, Dampier and Cape Lambert affecting the normal operations at the port. As a result, the exports by the major miners, BHP Billiton, FMG and Rio Tinto were hampered.

--Brazil exports fell by 11% Y-o-Y from 261 MnT in 9M CY'18 to 234 Mnt in 9M CY'19 (figures are rounded off). Vale underwent collapse at its dam at Corrego do Feijao mine in Minas Gerais in Brumadinho, Brazil on 25th Jan'19. Post which the miner had to shut operations at numerous mines and expects loss in production for the year.

--Whereas, Canada, South Africa and India observed a rise in their export volumes in 9M CY'19 led by: India (up - 49%), Canada (up - 15%), and South Africa (up - 5%) Y-o-Y. Sharp increase in iron ore fines export from Odisha pushed up overall export volumes from India.

--In terms of import value, China is the by far largest importer of iron ore accounts for 64% Y-o-Y of the trade value from Ukraine to 7.52 MnT 9M CY'19 against 4.60 MnT previously, followed by India (up - 36%), Canada (up - 32%) and South Africa ( up - 2%).