Japan: Iron Ore Imports Up 7% in Oct'18

Japan, the second largest iron ore importer of the world, recorded iron ore imports at 10.6 MnT in Oct'18, up 7% as against 9.92 MnT in Sep'18. However, on yearly basis imports increased 4% against 10.24 MnT in Oct'17.

For the duration Jan-Oct'17, iron ore imports witnessed at 103.64 MnT almost in line with imports in last year for Jan-Oct'17 at 104.11.

Japan's Crude Steel output up marginally in Oct'18

In Oct'18, Japan's crude steel output increased slightly to 8.56 MnT against 8.43 MnT in Sep'18.On yearly basis, the output dropped marginally as compared to Oct'17 productions at 8.97 MnT.

The non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore imports in Oct'18 witnessed at 9.32 MnT, up 9% M-o-M as against Sep'18 imports at 8.55 MnT. On yearly basis, imports increased 11% as compared to Oct'17 imports at 8.43 MnT.

Agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) imports recorded at 1.28 MnT in Oct'18, down 7% M-o-M as against 1.37 MnT in Sep'18. The agglomerated ore imports in Oct'18 stood 29% down on yearly basis as against 1.81 MnT in Oct'17.

Australia exports to Japan increased marginally

Australia continues to remain the largest iron ore exporter to Japan for the month of Oct'18 with total quantity of 6.03 MnT(up 5% on monthly basis) contributing 57% share of total Japanese import, followed by Brazil at 2.67 MnT (down 5% M-o-M).

Canadian exports to Japan witnessed significant increase to 0.86 MnT in Oct'18 as against 0.25 MnT a month ago.

Country Wise Iron Ore Import

Quantity in MnT
Source: Japan Customs
Provisional Data