Global iron ore export shipments rebound 16% w-o-w on stronger vessel loadings

• Pilbara, Vale loadings support export recovery
  
  
• Iron ore freights rise on active fixtures, firmer sentiment
  
  

Global iron ore export shipments rebounded 16.1% w-o-w to 29.3 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 7 May, against 25.3 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data. The recovery was driven by stronger Australian and Brazilian loadings amid favourable weather, improved cargo availability, and firmer operational performance.

Atlantic flows remained supportive with stronger Peru shipments, while South African exports softened amid Transnet-related constraints.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

• Australia: Port Hedland handled 10.9 mnt, Walcott 3.1 mnt, and Dampier 2.7 mnt. Rio Tinto exported 5.8 mnt, BHP 5.5 mnt, and FMG 4.0 mnt, with China absorbing 14.6 mnt, followed by South Korea (1.4 mnt).
  
  
• Brazil: Ponta da Madeira shipped 3.3 mnt, Itaguai 2.4 mnt, and Tubarao 1.9 mnt. Vale exported 4.0 mnt, while CSN shipped 4.4 mnt, with China importing 4.9 mnt.
  
  
• Canada: Sept-Iles handled 0.8 mnt, with Guinea & Nimba Mines exporting 0.6 mnt, while AMNS and IOC shipped 0.2 mnt each.
  
  
• South Africa: Saldanha handled 1.1 mnt and Richards Bay 0.1 mnt, with China and the United Kingdom importing 0.2 mnt each.
  
  
• India: Paradip handled 0.2 mnt, with Rungta Sons exporting 0.2 mnt and AMNS shipping 0.1 mnt, while China imported 0.2 mnt.
  
  
• Chile: Huasco shipped 0.2 mnt during the week.
  
  
• Peru: San Nicolas shipped 0.4 mnt and Matarani 0.2 mnt, with Shougang Hierro exporting 0.4 mnt, while China imported 0.4 mnt.
  
  

Bulk iron ore freights rise w-o-w

Dry bulk iron ore freights strengthened w-o-w amid active fixtures, firmer cargo enquiries, and improved sentiment across key routes. The Pacific gained support from stronger Australian exports and steady Chinese demand, while the Atlantic remained balanced on improved Brazilian cargo flows. Market participants noted that tighter vessel availability supported Capesize sentiment, though cautious chartering activity limited sharper gains.

Outlook

Global iron ore shipments are expected to remain firm in the near term, supported by steady Australian and Brazilian loadings, though maintenance activity and logistical constraints may continue to influence flows. Freight sentiment is likely to stay cautiously positive amid active cargo enquiries and balanced vessel supply, while bunker volatility and Chinese steel demand trends remain key watchpoints.