Iran: Iron Ore Exports Down 22% in Aug'18
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According to the data maintained by SteelMint, Iran has exported 0.93 MnT iron ore via bulk shipments in the fifth month of Iranian year (during 23rd July- 22nd Aug'18). The exports witnessed decline of 22% on monthly basis in Aug'18 as against July'18 at 1.19 MnT. Iranian exports has witnessed lowest since Apr'17 exports.
On yearly basis, the exports have witnessed 24% decline as compared to Aug'17 exports at 1.23 MnT.
For the duration Apr-Aug'18, the exports witnessed at 5.40 MnT, down sharply by 34% against 8.15 MnT same duration last year (Apr-Aug'17).
Iranian exports have witnessed a decline due to strict environmental regulations and approaching winter heating season in China, rendering major mills to prefer high grade iron ore.
Iran planning to abandon iron ore exports in next 2 years - Reports:
Iran is planning to abandoned iron ore exports in the next two years. As the Iran launched iron ore pelletizing and concentration plants in Sangan reserve and and Gole-Gohar projects in Kerman province increases its domestic demand for the projects. As per the reports, it is expected the domestic demand in Iran will be around 160MnT by 2025. Currently Iran has 80MnT iron ore production capacity per year.
Iranian exports to China down 19% M-o-M
China continued to be the largest importer of Iranian iron ore for Aug'18 at 0.90 MnT, contributing 97% of total Iranian export share. However, the export to China recorded 19% decline on monthly basis as against being 1.11 MnT in July'18.
UAE and Pakistan recorded nil imports for the month of Aug'18.
Iran country wise bulk iron ore exports Aug'18 v/s July'18
| Country | Aug'18 | July'18 | M-o-M (%) | FY'19 (Apr-Aug) | FY'18 (Apr-Aug) | Y-o-Y (%) |
| China | 0.90 | 1.11 | -19% | 5.08 | 7.73 | -34% |
| UAE | - | 0.06 | -100% | 0.08 | 0.03 | 175% |
| Malaysia | - | - | - | 0.05 | - | 100% |
| Pakistan | - | 0.03 | -100% | 0.03 | - | 100% |
| N/A | 0.03 | - | 100% | 0.15 | 0.39 | -61% |
| Grand Total | 0.93 | 1.19 | -22% | 5.40 | 8.15 | -34% |
Qty in MnT
Source: SteelMint Stats, Keyvan Jafari Tehrani
Provisional Data
Iran is planning to Invest in Afghanistan (Herat Province) Iron ore Mine
Iran is planning to invest in Sangan iron ore mine of Herat Province, located in border areas between Afghanistan and Iran. As mineral resources from Sangan iron ore mine on the Iranian side are nearing depletion, Iran is willing to invest in the Afghanistan part of the mine to fulfill its need of raw materials.
Iran Iron ore concentrate production up 22% on yearly basis
According to sources reports, Iran iron ore concentrate production for the duration Mar-July'18 recorded at 15.1 MnT, up 22% Y-o-Y and sponge iron production at 7 MnT, up 11% on yearly basis. The increased domestic demand has resulted in enhanced raw material production and reduced exports by the country.
