WEEKLY: Aust., Brazilian iron ore shipments edge up further

During the latest survey period, Australian iron ore sent worldwide from the country's 11 ports increased for the third straight week to reach 19.7 million tonnes, up by 1.4 million tonnes or 7.8% from the prior week.

Among these, the tonnage shipped from Australia to its largest iron ore consumer China reversed from the previous week's dip and went up by 1.6 million tonnes or 10.4% on week to 17.4 million tonnes.

Among the top three miners in Australia, both Rio Tinto and BHP raised their shipments of red earth to China last week, with the former's volume rising for the second straight week by another 678,000 tonnes or 13.6% on week to 5.7 million tonnes, and the latter's jumping 853,000 tonnes or 18.1% on week to reach 5.6 million tonnes.

In contrast, the shipments delivered by Fortescue Metals Group to China decreased for the second consecutive week by a significant 738,000 tonnes or 17% on week to 3.6 million tonnes last week.

During the same period, Brazilian iron ore sent from the country's nine ports to global destinations failed to extend the prior week's increase and fell by a large 1.2 million tonnes or 13.7% on week to 7.6 million tonnes, though the volume shipped by Vale only slid 156,000 tonnes or 2.5% on week to 6 million tonnes.

For this week in Australia, all ports will resume normal operations as maintenance works have been completed, which will ensure the smooth iron ore shipment from the country over May 26-June 1, according to Mysteel's tracking.

Australian iron ore shipments to China over May 19-25

Written by Anthea Shi, shihui@mysteel.com

Edited by Alyssa Ren, rentingting@mysteel.com