South African Iron Ore Export Shipments Cross 60 MnT in CY19

As per bulk vessel line up data maintained with SteelMint, South African iron ore export shipments in CY'19 witnessed at 60.32 MnT, up by 0.54 MnT against 59.79 MnT in CY'18.

South African exports for the month of Dec'19 recorded at 6.04 MnT, up by 23% compared to 4.91 MnT in Nov'19.

Export shipments to China up marginally in CY19
South Africa's total iron ore export shipments to China for the year CY19 recorded marginal rise to 36.90 MnT as compared to 36.12 MnT in CY'18. The exports picked up to China amid global material shortage (Vale mishap and Australia Cyclone) caused due to reduced supplies by world's major miners such as Vale, Rio Tinto and BHP Group.

Exports to Korea fell 4% to 4.32 MnT in CY19 against 4.48 MnT in CY18. Exports to Netherland stood at 4.02 MnT (up 29% Y-o-Y) followed by Japan at 3.08 MnT.

South African export shipments to India dropped 69% in CY19
South African iron ore exports to India recorded at 1.05 MnT in CY19. The exports dropped significantly by 69% as compared to 3.43 MnT in CY18.

Indian imports of lumps remained on lower side for the year amid high prices of lumps in Global market, discrepancies at Saldanha port and availability of domestic pellets from Jindal SAW at comparatively less expensive prices.

As per report, Indian steelmaker have booked 90,000 MT lump from South Africa for Jan'20 shipment to be delivered at Kandla port. Also, another vessel of around 90,000 MT is expected to arrive at Kandla port.

The Indian imports for the four consecutive months from July'19 to Oct'19 remained nil amid price hike which touched as high as USD 140/MT, CNF Kandla towards July 19. However, the imports rebounded in Nov'19 to 0.05 MnT and increased to 0.15 MnT in Dec' 19.

South Africa Iron Ore Export shipment line up

Qty in MnT
Source: SteelMint, Custom
Provisional Data