Global iron ore export shipments slip nearly 16% w-o-w on weaker Atlantic flows, logistics constraints

• Softer Vale loadings, Transnet constraints weigh on exports
  
  
• Iron ore freights firm on active fixtures, higher bunker prices
  
  

Global iron ore export shipments declined 15.6% w-o-w to 24.7 million tonnes (mnt) in the week ended 8 May, against 29.3 mnt a week earlier, according to BigMint data. Softer Vale loadings and weaker terminal flows pressured Brazil, while persistent Transnet constraints weighed on South African exports.

Australian shipments remained broadly stable despite maintenance activity and power outage disruptions, while India and Chile recorded stronger cargo flows.

Country-wise trends

Port & shipper-wise trends

• Australia: Port Hedland handled 11.4 mnt, Walcott 3.1 mnt, and Dampier 2.0 mnt. BHP exported 5.2 mnt, Rio Tinto 5.0 mnt, and FMG 4.9 mnt, with China importing 15.1 mnt, followed by South Korea (0.8 mnt).
  
  
• Brazil: Ponta da Madeira shipped 1.3 mnt, Tubarao 1.2 mnt, and Itaguai 1.2 mnt. CSN exported 2.6 mnt, while Vale shipped 1.3 mnt, with China importing 2.1 mnt.
  
  
• Canada: Port Cartier handled 0.5 mnt and Sept-Iles 0.4 mnt. AMNS exported 0.5 mnt, while Belgium imported 0.2 mnt and France 0.1 mnt.
  
  
• South Africa: Saldanha handled 0.7 mnt and Richards Bay 0.2 mnt, with Germany and South Korea importing 0.2 mnt each.
  
  
• India: Paradip handled 0.4 mnt and Dhamra 0.2 mnt. Rungta Sons exported 0.2 mnt, while China imported 0.3 mnt.
  
  
• Chile: Caldera and Totoralillo each shipped 0.2 mnt, with Ecuador and China importing 0.2 mnt each.
  
  
• Peru: San Nicolas shipped 0.2 mnt and Matarani 0.1 mnt. Shougang Hierro exported 0.2 mnt, while China imported 0.2 mnt.
  
  

Bulk iron ore freights firm w-o-w

Dry bulk iron ore freights strengthened w-o-w amid active fixtures, elevated bunker prices, and firmer sentiment across key routes. The Pacific remained supported by steady Australian cargo flows and healthy Chinese demand, while tighter vessel availability supported Capesize rates despite cautious chartering activity.

Outlook

Global iron ore shipments are expected to remain mixed in the near term as maintenance activity and logistical constraints continue to influence flows across key origins. Freight sentiment is likely to stay cautiously firm amid active cargo enquiries, balanced vessel supply, and elevated bunker prices, while Chinese steel demand trends remain a key watchpoint.