Infograph: China's Iron Ore Import Drop Marginally in CY19; Imports from India Rise 82% Y-o-Y

Iron ore imports to China from Australia and Brazil recorded a decline in CY19, however imports from India increased Chinese intake of low grade fines

--China's iron ore import fell by 1% to 1,038 MnT in CY19 against 1,046 MnT in CY18.

--World's largest iron ore exporter - Australia recorded decline in shipments by 2% Y-o-Y for China in CY19. Imports from China have significantly dropped to 664 MnT against 678 MnT in 2018. Shipments were negatively impacted by cyclones, weather and operational challenges in west Australia in H1 CY19.

--China's imports from Brazil were also impacted and volumes dropped by 3% in 2019 amid Vale's Brumadinho dam disaster in Jan'19.

--Imports from India recorded sharp increase of 82% Y-o-Y on increase in low grade fines export shipments, primarily from Odisha amid high global prices.

-- China's import volumes from Iran have fallen by 23% after the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade started imposing upto 25% tariffs on the export of unprocessed minerals, including iron ore.