Russia: Iron Ore Imports Up 9% in May'19

Russia iron ore imports picked up to 0.85 MnT, up 9% as compared to 0.78 MnT in Apr'19. On yearly basis, imports rose 10% as against 0.77 MnT in May'18. Kazakhastan stood the only exporter of iron ore to Russia for the month of May'19 at 0.85 MnT, up 10% M-o-M as compared to Apr'19 exports at 0.77 MnT.

Russia crude steel import picks up in May'19

Russia crude steel imports for the month of May'19 witnessed at 5.95 MnT, up 6% as compared to 5.6 MnT in Apr'19. On yearly basis, imports fell marginally as against 6.1 MnT in May'18.

Russia coal imports fell 15 months low in May'19

Russian coal imports have fallen to a 15-month low total of 1.32 MnT in May'19. Coal volume was down 25% M-o-M from 1.77 MnT in Apr'19, which was also 16% lower on the year from 1.57 MnT in May'18. The country had witnessed a slack demand for imports during the month, wherein intake of chiefly preferred-Anthracite coal had decreased 32% M-o-M.

Among the major exporters, coal supplies from Kazakhstan dropped 22% M-o-M to 1.06 MnT, while supplies from Ukraine was marked 35% lower on the month at 0.22 MnT in May'19.

During the first 5 months of CY19, Russian coal imports have reached 8.17 MnT, up 7% Y-o-Y compared with 7.67 MnT in corresponding period of CY18.

Russian Ferro Alloys imports dipped by 14% in May'19

Russian Ferro Alloys imports suffered due to sluggish stainless steel market conditions. However, Chrome Ore imports remained stable despite bearish Ferro Chrome Market. Meanwhile, Manganese Ore and Silico Manganese imports were down by 20% and 50% respectively as compared to the previous month. Kazakhstan and South Africa remained the top two exporters for Russia in May'19.

Russia iron ore imports

Qty in MT
Source: Customs