Japan: Iron Ore Imports Down 10% in Sep'18

Japan, the second largest iron ore importer of the world, recorded iron ore imports at 9.92 MnT in Sep'18 as against 10.97 MnT in Aug'18. However, on yearly basis imports stood down by 5% against 10.44 MnT in Sep'17.

For the quarter ending Sep'18, iron ore imports witnessed at 30.13 MnT in Q3 CY'18. The imports witnessed fall of 6% as against 32.21 MnT in last quarter. On yearly basis, the imports witnessed marginal decline as against 30.7 MnT in Q3 CY'17.

Japan's Crude Steel output fell in Sep'18

In Sep'18, Japan's crude steel output decreased by 4% to 8.42 MnT against 8.81 MnT in Aug'18.On yearly basis, the output dropped marginally as compared to Sep'17 productions at 8.63 MnT.

The non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore imports in Sep'18 witnessed at 8.55 MnT, down 13% M-o-M as against Aug'18 imports at 9.83 MnT. On yearly basis, imports dropped by 4% as compared to Sep'17 imports at 8.88 MnT.

Agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) imports recorded at 1.37 MnT in Sep'18, up 20% M-o-M as against 1.14 MnT in Aug'18. The agglomerated ore imports in Sep'18 stood 12% down on yearly basis as against 1.55 MnT in Sep'17.

Australia exports to Japan dropped marginally

Australia continues to remain the largest iron ore exporter to Japan for the month of Sep'18 with total quantity of 5.74 MnT(down 4% on monthly basis) contributing 58% share of total Japanese import, followed by Brazil at 2.82 MnT (down 11% M-o-M). Indian exports to Japan witnessed at 0.06 MnT in Sep'18 against being nil a month before due to resumption of NMDC in exports after a gap of five months.

Country Wise Iron Ore Import

Quantity in MnT
Source: Japan Customs
Provisional Data