South Africa: Iron Ore Exports Up 22% M-o-M in Aug'17

South Africa, world's 3rd largest iron ore exporter after Australia and Brazil has exported 6.69 MnT iron ore in Aug'17, according to the trade data released by South African Customs.
South African iron ore exports have increased by 22% M-o-M in the month Aug'17 against 5.5 MnT in Jul'17.

In Aug'17, the agglomerated (pellets/concentrate) iron ore exports were at 4.36 MnT, up 30% M-o-M as it was 3.35 MnT in Jul'17. Similarly the non-agglomerated (fines/lump) iron ore exports were also up by 8% at 2.33 MnT in Aug'17 against 2.16 MnT in Jul'17.

During Jan-Aug'17, South Africa exported 43.91 MnT iron ore up 4% against same period last fiscal which was 42.21 MnT.

Majority of the iron ore exported from South Africa is from Saldanha Bay port followed by Richard's Bay port.

China accounted for 67% share in Aug'17 South Africa iron ore exports

The largest importer of South African iron ore China retains the first position for Aug'17 as well. China imported 4.51 MnT iron ore from South Africa, up by 27% M-o-M as it was 3.56 MnT in Jul'17.

Other major importers of South African ore in Aug'17 were - South Korea (0.36 MnT), Japan (0.35 MnT) and India (0.34 MnT).

Indian importers increased imports from South Africa to 0.34 MnT in Aug'17 compared to 0.11 MnT in Jul'17. Between April and Jun'17 the global iron ore monthly averages prices fell to USD 57/MT CFR, China in Jun'17 from monthly averages prices USD 87/MT CFR, China in Mar'17 before rising again. This resulted in increased bookings from Indian importers.