Japan: Iron Ore Imports Down 3% in CY18

Japan, the second largest iron ore importer of the world, recorded iron ore imports at 123.87 MnT in CY'18, down 3% as against CY17 imports at 126.6 MnT.

On monthly basis, Dec'18 imports recorded at 9.62 MnT, down 9% as against 10.6 MnT in Nov'18. On yearly basis, the imports dropped 18% as against 11.76 MnT in Dec'17.

Japan's Crude Steel output fell in CY18

Japan's crude steel output recorded marginal decline on yearly basis to 104.3 MnT in CY18 as against 104.7 MnT in CY17. In Dec'18 the output recorded at 8.47 MnT against 8.66 MnT in Nov'18.

The non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore imports in CY'18 witnessed at 109.04 MnT, down by 2% Y-o-Y as against CY17 imports at 110.89 MnT. On monthly basis, imports dropped 8% in Dec'18 to 8.59 MnT against 9.34 MnT in Nov'18.

Agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) imports recorded at 14.83 MnT in CY'18, down 6% as compared to 15.71 MnT in CY'17. The agglomerated ore imports in Dec'18 fell 17% on monthly basis to 1.04 MnT as against 1.26 MnT in Nov'18.

Indian exports to Japan dropped 36% in CY18

Australia marked the largest iron ore exporter to Japan for in CY'18 with total quantity of 72.14 MnT contributing 58% share of total Japanese import, followed by Brazil at 33.28 MnT and Canada at 6.09 MnT.

Indian exports to Japan witnessed at 1.85 MnT in CY18, down 36% as against 2.88 MnT in CY17. India's largest miner NMDC recorded nil exports to South Korea from Apr'18 to Aug'18 due to expiry of LTA (Long-term agreement) to export iron ore to South Korea and Japan. On 25th April'18, NMDC received approval for supply of iron ore to Japan and South Korea. However, the miner resumed exports in Sep'18.

Country Wise Iron Ore Import

Quantity in MnT
Source: Japan Customs
Provisional Data